NSFAS Application For 2026 Opening Date

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative in South Africa that provides financial assistance to eligible students pursuing higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. This scheme is vital for students who lack the financial means to fund their studies or cannot access other forms of funding, like bank loans or bursaries. NSFAS has operated a student-centered application model, streamlining the process for both first-time applicants and those renewing their funding.

This means that applicants only need to submit one financial aid application directly to NSFAS, even if they have applied to multiple educational institutions. The online application window for NSFAS is scheduled to open on September 1, 2025, and will close on January 31, 2026. Generally, NSFAS opens its online application period in the latter part of each year, with the exact dates subject to annual variation.

It is highly recommended that prospective applicants monitor the official NSFAS website, www.nsfas.org.za, and their social media channels for the most precise announcements regarding application opening and closing dates. Applying early is encouraged to ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted before the deadline, as late applications will not be considered. Successful applicants receive funding that covers tuition fees, and may also include allowances for study materials, meals, accommodation, and transport, depending on their specific needs and institution type.

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application 2026 Opening Date

When Will NSFAS Applications for 2026 Open?

Prospective students can apply for financial aid during the NSFAS funding application season, which usually opens within a certain duration. The exact dates for the 2026-2027 academic year begin on 1st September 2025 and close on 31st January 2026. Therefore, eligible qualified students are encouraged to apply before the closing date of the application.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS 2026 Funding

To qualify for NSFAS financial aid, applicants must meet specific criteria.

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.

NSFAS Application Procedure for 2026-2027

Below is a comprehensive guide that will help you easily follow the National Student Financial Aid Scheme application process by providing all the necessary information.

Getting the Necessary Documents:

Collect the necessary paperwork for the application procedure, including your school or university admission letter, a certified copy of your ID, and evidence of your income for yourself or your guardian.

Qualifications for NSFAS Registration:

Make sure that you meet the NSFAS eligibility requirements before applying.
To be eligible, a person must normally meet certain requirements, such as being a citizen of South Africa, being enrolled in or accepted into a public university or TVET college, and having a recognized qualification.

How to utilize the NSFAS Application:

Find the application section by visiting the NSFAS portal or website. Register for an account, or sign in with an existing account.
To obtain the application for the 2026-2027 school year, follow the instructions.

Fill out the Application Form:

Complete the application form with precision and thoroughness. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date, and include any pertinent facts.
Prepare yourself to enter personal, academic, and financial data as needed.

Putting in the Application:

Please submit your application online after filling it out and attaching the required files.
For your records, make sure you obtain an application reference number or a confirmation of submission.

Verify the Status of Your Application and Follow-Up:

Utilizing your application reference number or login information, follow up on the status of your application once it has been submitted.
This will assist you in being updated on any changes or new prerequisites that may be required to process your application

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.

Learn more: When Are Applications For NSFAS 2026 Opening

How to Apply for NSFAS Online 2026-2027

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2026-2027:

Create a profile: Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.
Apply now: To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.
Complete: Submit your application

NSFAS Contact Details