NSFAS Application Opening Date For 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a vital financial lifeline for many South African students aspiring to pursue tertiary education at public universities and TVET colleges. Knowing the application opening and closing dates is essential for securing funding. While specific dates are officially announced closer to the period, based on previous trends, the 2026/2027 application cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline.

Anticipated to commence around September 1, 2025, the NSFAS application period for the 2026/2027 academic year offers a substantial window for prospective applicants. The application process typically remains open until approximately January 31, 2026. This extended period is designed to accommodate the large volume of applications and provide students with ample time to gather and upload all required documentation, ensuring a thorough and complete submission.

To ensure a smooth application process, it is imperative for all potential applicants to regularly monitor the official NSFAS website, www.nsfas.org.za, and their social media channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the precise opening and closing dates. Eligibility criteria, such as citizenship and household income thresholds (e.g., typically not exceeding R350,000 per annum, or R600,000 for students with disabilities), remain key considerations for successful applications. Early preparation and prompt submission are highly recommended to avoid any last-minute complications.

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application 2026 Opening Date

NSFAS Application Dates for 2026/2027

Potential 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 2026-2027 NSFAS

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.

Who should not apply for NSFAS 2026? 

Students who have previously applied for and been awarded financing are not yet finished with their current degree and have no intention of switching from one industry to another (TVET College to University or vice versa). If they pass all of their modules and fulfil the academic standards, they will get automatic funding for the remainder of their study.

What does the NSFAS 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

Learn more: When Are Applications For NSFAS 2026 Opening

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

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

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