Required Documents For NSFAS Application 2026/2027

Applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an important step for many South African students who need help paying for their studies. To make sure your application for the 2026-2027 academic year goes smoothly, it’s important to know exactly which documents you need to submit. As the application dates draw closer, it’s a good idea to prepare your documents in advance. Having all the necessary paperwork ready will make the process faster, easier, and less stressful. It also increases your chances of being approved for funding, as NSFAS only processes applications that are complete and accurate.

NSFAS offers financial support to deserving students from low and middle-income households. To apply, you will need documents such as your South African ID or birth certificate, proof of household income, and any other relevant supporting documents. If you are under 18 or still dependent on your parents or guardians, their income and identification documents will also be required.

These documents are important because NSFAS uses them to confirm your details and financial situation. Without the correct and updated paperwork, your application may be delayed or even rejected. By starting early and gathering the required documents ahead of time, you give yourself the best chance of success. A well-prepared application not only shows that you meet NSFAS requirements but also helps secure the financial assistance you need to focus on your studies.

Learn more: Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Required Supporting Documents for 2026-2027 Application

Please attach certified copies of the following documents

If either of your parents is deceased, please provide a certified copy of the death certificate.
If your parents are divorced, please provide a certified copy of the divorce decree.
If either of your parents does not live at home, please provide an affidavit explaining the reasons.
If you are supported by someone who is not your parent or legal guardian, please provide an affidavit explaining the reasons.
A certified copy of a SASSA letter if any of your family members are receiving a social grant and are also contributing to your household income. This also applies to your legal guardian.
If you have indicated that a dependent in your household is a student, please provide proof of registration or acceptance at the TVET college or university for each dependent
(All the certified copies must not be older than 3 months) Your documents can be certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office.* If you are under the age of 18 or if you are 18 and older and are STILL DEPENDENT on the household income of your parent or legal guardian, then this also applies to you.
Certified copy of your Identity Document. If you are younger than 16 years of age and do not have a green bar-coded ID or smart ID card, you must submit a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate
A certified copy of the Identity Document of each household member, including parents or legal guardians.
A certified copy of your latest academic transcript or exam results. If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this.
If you have been exempted from paying school fees, please provide a letter from the school informing NSFAS that you have been exempted.
Certified or official copy of recent payslip, letter of employment, not older than three months, for each parent, or the person who supports you, or your guardian, or yourself if you are employed. This is for all types of employment or all forms of income for all members of the household. This includes any income received from SASSA grants, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, or disability
or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments

Required Documents For NSFAS Application 2026/2027

REQUIREMENT FOR NSFAS for 2026

If you are a citizen of South Africa, intend to enrol in school in 2026, or if you 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.

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

Learn more: What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

The NSFAS Application Process for 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

By gathering and submitting the necessary paperwork, candidates improve their chances of receiving the funding needed to pursue higher education in South Africa. Visit the NSFAS Official Website for additional information or leave your comment in the section below.

NSFAS Contact Details