NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

The NSFAS Application Closing Date for 2026 is one of the most important deadlines for students who want financial aid. If you do not apply on time, your application may not be considered, which means you could miss out on the chance to get funding for your studies. Students mostly rely on NSFAS to cover tuition, accommodation, and study materials; keeping track of this date is very important.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will officially open on 1  September 2025. All eligible students, whether they are entering the post-school system for the first time or continuing their studies without financial support, are encouraged to apply. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2026. After this date, no late applications will be accepted, so it is advised to prepare your documents early and submit them before the deadline.

Missing the NSFAS deadline could mean losing your opportunity to secure much-needed financial assistance. To avoid this, students should stay informed about all key dates, gather the required documents in advance, and apply as soon as the application system opens. Submitting your application early also gives you time to correct any mistakes and ensure all information is complete.

Learn more: Closing Date For NSFAS 2026/2027

NSFAS Application Deadline Date for 2026

The deadline for NSFAS applications for the 2026-2027 academic year is January 31, 2025, which all prospective students need to be aware of. If this deadline is missed, the application may not be reviewed, which might harm the applicant’s prospects of receiving important financial aid for their educational institution.

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or are enrolled in a public university or TVET college, and match the following criteria, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

What does the bursary cover?

NSFAS will cover your costs for the following:

•  Accommodation
•  Living allowance
•  Learning material allowance
•  Personal care allowance

UNISA students will receive funding for:

•  Tuition
• Books (subject to the number of modules registered)
•  Personal care allowance

Eligible students with a disability will receive funding for:

• Assistive Devices
• Meals
•  Tuition
•  Transport
•  Tuition
•  Human Support
•  Accommodation

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

• NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
• Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
• NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
• If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
• For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Other documents that may be required, if applicable

•  Retrenchment letter
•  Death certificate/s
•   Divorce Decree
•  Proof of legal guardianship
•   Marriage certificate
•   Other documents may be required for appeal purposes, eg, retrenchment letter

Learn more: Can You Still Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Application Process for NSFAS 2026-2027

Follow the comprehensive steps below to submit your NSFAS Application 2026 through my.nsfas.org.za

• Go to your browser on your computer or smartphone
• Enter the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za in the search bar
• Click on the “myNSFAS” tab at the top right of the NSFAS homepage
• Create myNSFAS account. If you have one, log in to the myNSFAS portal
• After that, click on the ‘APPLY’ tab to begin the application process
• Fill out the online application form with your details as requested
• Upload all the required supporting documents where applicable
• Complete the sections on the screen and submit your application for review

For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

You can increase your chances of receiving the necessary financial support by realizing the importance of this deadline, following important guidelines for timely submission, and making sure your application is accurate and comprehensive.

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