What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not sure about the documents and information you need. For many South African students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an important lifeline that makes tertiary education more affordable. With the 2026–2027 application period coming up, it is wise to prepare early so you can submit everything on time without stress. Whether you are applying for the first time or reapplying for continued support, having all the required documents ready will make your application process much smoother.

Missing or incorrect documents are one of the main reasons applications get delayed or rejected, so preparation is key. If you are planning to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026–2027 academic year but are unsure about what is required, you are not alone. Many students have the same question. That is why we have put together a clear guide to help you understand the documents and qualifications you will need.

To successfully submit your NSFAS application, you will generally need personal identification documents, proof of household income (or an affidavit if unemployed), academic records, and, in some cases, a consent form signed by your parents or guardians. Having these ready before applications open will save you time and help you avoid last-minute stress. By getting organised early, you will give yourself the best chance of securing funding for your studies and focusing on what truly matters, achieving your academic goals.

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

Documents Required for NSFAS 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

What Do I Need To Apply For NSFAS 2026/2027

 Who Can Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027?

To qualify for NSFAS 2026, applicants typically need to meet the following criteria:

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Who is not qualified to apply for NSFAS

• 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.

Learn more: Documents Needed For NSFAS Applications 2026-2027

How to apply online for NSFAS 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

Contact Details Of NSFAS

For general and student enquiries:

For all other queries regarding students:
Tel No.: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Note that fulfilling these prerequisites does not ensure NSFAS funding. On the other hand, thorough planning and precise application greatly increase your chances of getting funding. For details, go to https://www.nsfas.org.za

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