Requirements Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Requirements Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Requirements Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026/2027 academic year is vital for many South African students aiming to access higher education. NSFAS offers financial support to deserving students at public universities and TVET colleges, covering tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances, and study materials. Knowing and meeting the specific requirements is paramount for a successful application, ensuring that you can focus on your studies without the burden of financial stress. The application process for NSFAS is created to be accessible, yet it requires careful attention to detail.

Key requirements typically revolve around academic merit, financial need, and proper documentation.​ Applicants must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress or meet entry requirements for their chosen courses. Furthermore, NSFAS targets students from low-income households, with specific income thresholds determining eligibility. This commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged students underscores NSFAS’s mission to promote equitable access to education. To ensure a smooth application, prospective students must gather and prepare all necessary documents well in advance.

This includes certified copies of identity documents, academic records, and proof of income for parents or guardians, or affidavits if income proof is unavailable. For dependents of social grant beneficiaries, this information is often verified directly with government departments, simplifying the process. Adhering to deadlines and submitting accurate, complete information is vital, as incomplete applications are frequently the cause of delays or rejections. By meticulously preparing, applicants can significantly enhance their chances of securing NSFAS funding for their tertiary education.

Learn more: Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications 2026-2027

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding 2026/2027

• 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.

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 the following:

•  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

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

Learn more: Requirements For NSFAS Bursary 2026-2027

NSFAS Application Process for 2026-2027

The application process for provisionally funded NSFAS involves the following steps:

• Create a profile: Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
• Apply now: Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
• Complete: Submit your application.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center:

• Phone: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
• Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM (South African Standard Time)

Nsfas Email:

• General inquiries: info@nsfas.org.za
• Application inquiries: apply@nsfas.org.za

Nsfas Postal Address:

• Private Bag X1
• Plumstead
• 7801
• South Africa

Physical Address:

• 10 Brodie Road
• House Vincent, 2nd Floor
• Wynberg
• Cape Town
• 7700
• South Afric

Students can improve their chances of getting financial aid from NSFAS by fulfilling the qualifying requirements and completing the required paperwork correctly and on time. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

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