Categories: NSFAS Application

NSFAS Released 2026 Application Dates

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a good role in enabling South African students to pursue higher education by providing financial assistance to those in need. This assistance is particularly vital for students from households with an annual income below R350,000. The NSFAS online application dates are specific periods during which potential students can apply for financial aid through the official online platform. These dates are announced well in advance by NSFAS, ensuring applicants have sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications within the designated timeframe.

The NSFAS online application window opened on September 1, 2025, and is scheduled to close on January 31, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year. It is important for individuals seeking financial support for tertiary education expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials, to initiate their application process within this period. Timely submission of applications is essential for consideration for financial aid in the upcoming academic year. NSFAS also provides complete guidelines and requirements for the application process, which include necessary documents and eligibility criteria.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with these guidelines and provide a thorough and correct application to maximize their chances of securing financial assistance. Applications submitted after the deadline will be automatically rejected. Prospective students should be aware of these application commencement and closing dates to avoid missing out on crucial funding opportunities.

Learn more: NSFAS Application Dates For 2026-2027

When Do NSFAS 2026 Applications Open?

NSFAS has announced that applications for the 2026 academic year will open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026. This application window gives applicants enough time to submit their applications early and avoid last-minute delays. Applying is completely free – there is no application fee. You should never pay anyone to apply online, as the process is free for all who meet the requirements.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2026 Funding

If you want to apply for NSFAS 2026, you must be:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualifies 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 Bursary Coverage

NSFAS funding generally covers various study-related costs for approved students. This includes;

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 an peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in an 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: NSFAS Applications 2026-2027

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026 Online

To apply for NSFAS Online, follow the procedure below

Go to www.nsfas.org.za
Click on the “myNSFAS” tab.
Create a myNSFAS account.
Click on the “APPLY” tab
Complete the sections on the screen.
Upload the required supporting documents
Click on “Submit” to send your application for review

How to Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal

Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
Click the myNSFAS button at the top right of the homepage.

Enter your email address and password.
Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm it’s you.
Click Sign In.

Check Your Application Status

After logging in, find the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
Click it to see your current status.

Applications for NSFAS funding open for a limited time at the end of each year. It is advisable to apply as early as possible to account for any potential mistakes or delays. For further inquires, click here.

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When Is NSFAS Application Open For 2026-2027