Are NSFAS Applications Closed 2026

Are NSFAS Applications Closed 2026

Are you wondering if NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year are still open? You’re not alone. Many students across South Africa rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to help pay for their studies, and knowing when to apply is very important. The good news is that NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year have not closed yet. The main application period is set to begin on September 1, 2025, and will stay open until January 31, 2026.

This gives students a good amount of time to get everything ready and submit their applications. Still, it’s always better to apply early to avoid problems like website issues or last-minute delays. However, if you’re planning to study at a TVET college, there are a few different dates you should keep in mind. Some application periods for the 2025 academic year have already passed.

So, while the main 2026 application window is still coming up, some earlier application periods—especially for TVET colleges in 2025—have already opened or closed. Always check the exact dates for your specific course and institution to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to get funding from NSFAS.

Learn more: When Will NSFAS Open Again For 2026

NSFAS Application Date for 2026-2027

NSFAS opened its online applications for the 2025/2026 academic year on November 21, 2024, and the deadline to apply was January 31, 2025. During this time, all qualifying students had the chance to submit their funding applications.

Looking ahead, for those planning to study in 2026, the NSFAS application window will open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. This gives future students several months to apply for financial support.

Who Can Apply for NSFAS Funding?

• 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.

How Much NSFAS Bursary Pay 2026

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest approved 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 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

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 How To Apply

How to Apply and Track Your Application

Follow the step-by-step guide to apply online for NSFAS.

• 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’

Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click the myNSFAS button at the top right of the homepage.

Log In to Your Account

• Enter your email address and password.
• Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm it’s you.
• Click Sign In.

Check Your Application Status

• After logging in, find the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
• Click it to see your current status.

NSFAS Contact  Details

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

NSFAS applications for the academic year 2026 are now open, giving qualified students the option to apply for financial help. To ensure a smooth application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, submit your application before the deadline, and include any necessary documentation. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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