Are NSFAS Applications Still Open For 2026

NSFAS applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are currently open. If you’re hoping to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa next year and need financial help, now is the time to apply. The application period started on September 1, 2025, and will close on January 31, 2026. It’s very essential to apply early; late applications won’t be accepted or processed after the deadline. NSFAS( National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a government program that assists students from low-income families to afford higher education.

The main aim is to give more young people the opportunity to study further and build better futures through education. NSFAS covers things like tuition fees, books, meals, accommodation, and transport, depending on the student’s needs. In the past, NSFAS offered funding as a loan that had to be paid back after getting a job. If you passed all your subjects, part of the loan would turn into a bursary.

But since 2018, NSFAS has moved toward giving grants instead of loans. However, from 2023, it’s no longer a full bursary for everyone. Students whose household income is between R350,001 and R600,000 per year now fall under a new loan program. To stay up to date, students should keep checking the NSFAS website and official social media pages for any changes or announcements. Don’t wait, apply early to improve your chances of getting funding.

Learn more: Is NSFAS Still Open For 2026

Application Dates for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS usually opens applications for the following year many months ahead of time. The scheduled start date for the 2026 academic year is September 1, 2025, and it closes on January 31, 2026. However, it is advised to submit your applications on time before the closing date of the application.

Who Can Apply For NSFAS?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must be eligible and must meet the requirements for the fund. To be eligible, you must be;

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding and do not need to submit any proof of income.

What the Bursary Covers

The NSFAS funding covers various costs, with amounts aligned to the latest approved Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) guidelines

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 a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a 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: When Will NSFAS Open For 2026

NSFAS Online Application Steps for 2026

The NSFAS application involves five simple steps. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2026;

Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
Create a myNSFAS account
Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
Click on ‘Submit’.

Contact NSFAS

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

If you want to pursue higher education in South Africa in 2026 and need financial aid, you will most likely be able to apply for NSFAS funding. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.