Opening Date For NSFAS 2026/2027

Opening Date For NSFAS 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an important role in helping many South African students achieve their dreams of studying at a university or TVET college. For students from low-income households, the cost of higher education can be a major challenge. NSFAS provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and other essential costs, making education more affordable and accessible.

Every year, NSFAS opens an application period for students who need funding. This is the time when prospective and returning students can submit their applications to be considered for financial aid.  Applications will officially open in September 2025 and close in January 2026 for the 2026-2027 academic year. This gives applicants just over two months to complete and submit all the required information. Students need to apply as early as possible within this window to avoid last-minute problems or delays.

Late applications are generally not accepted, so meeting the deadline is important. Before applying, students should make sure they meet the NSFAS eligibility requirements, which often include being a South African citizen, coming from a household with a combined income below a certain threshold, and enrolling or planning to enroll at a registered public institution. By securing NSFAS funding, students can focus on their studies without the constant stress of financial strain.

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application 2026 Opening Date

When Do NSFAS Applications for 2026/2027 Open?

NSFAS has not yet confirmed the exact opening date for 2026/2027 applications. However, looking at previous years, applications usually start in September and stay open for a few months. This means students can expect the process to begin around September 2025. The official dates will be announced on the NSFAS website and their social media pages.

What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?

NSFAS covers the following;

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 the institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

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

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?

Key eligibility criteria include;

• 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.

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

Contact Nsfas

For any queries related to this bursary program, don’t hesitate to get in touch with NSFAS directly:

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
• Tel: 0860 067 327
• Tel: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Congratulations if your name was among the list of people who have been selected to receive the 2026 NSFAS bursaries. For more information on how to check your application opening date, visit the official NSFAS website.

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