NSFAS Bursary 2026/2027

NSFAS Bursary 2026/2027

The NSFAS Bursary is one of South Africa’s most important financial aid programs, designed to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds access higher education without the heavy burden of tuition fees and study-related costs. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues its mission of providing funding to qualifying students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges across the country. This bursary covers essential expenses such as tuition fees, registration, accommodation, meals, and learning materials, making it possible for thousands of students to focus on their studies rather than worrying about financial barriers.

Applying for the NSFAS Bursary in 2026/2027 is a critical step for prospective and continuing students who meet the eligibility criteria. These criteria include household income limits, South African citizenship, and enrollment in an approved qualification at a public institution. The application process is completed online, with students required to submit supporting documents to verify their financial and academic information.

With education costs on the rise, the NSFAS Bursary remains a lifeline for many learners, empowering them to achieve their academic goals and improve their prospects. Understanding the application dates, requirements, and processes for 2026/2027 is essential to avoid missing out on this opportunity. Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your funding, preparing early and ensuring that all information is accurate will give you the best chance of securing this vital support.

Learn more: NSFAS Bursary Application 2026-2027

NSFAS Application Dates for 2026-2027

The NSFAS application window for the 2026-2027 academic year is expected to open towards the end of 2025 and close in the first months of 2026. Students are advised to apply as soon as applications open to avoid last-minute problems or delays. Submitting early also provides enough time to correct any mistakes or upload missing documents before the deadline.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS 2026-2027

To be eligible for NSFAS bursaries for the 2026-2027 academic year, you must meet the following 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.

Who is not qualified for the NSFAS Bursary 2026

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest DHET guidelines.

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation
  As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

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: Is NSFAS Open For 2026-2027

How To Apply For NSFAS Bursary 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

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. 

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