Can A 17 Year Old Apply For NSFAS 2026

Can A 17 Year Old Apply For NSFAS 2026

NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid program that gives monetary help to students pursuing further education. This help is provided in the form of loans and bursaries, and some situations, it may also cover accommodation and other study-related expenses. If you’re 17 and planning to start studying at a public university or TVET college in South Africa for the 2026-2027 academic session, you might be asking yourself if you can apply for NSFAS funding. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program that helps students pay for their studies, including tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.

Many young students worry that being under 18 might stop them from getting financial support. The truth is, if you meet the other eligibility requirements, your age of 17 should not prevent you from applying for NSFAS. To qualify, you must be a South African citizen, have a combined household income below the income limit set by NSFAS, and plan to study an approved course.

It’s essential to start preparing your application early. Make sure you have gathered all your documents ready, like proof of income, a certified copy of your ID, and any consent forms that are needed. Applying early gives you more time to sort out any issues before the deadline. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to apply for NSFAS funding as a 17-year-old in 2026. You’ll find out what you need to qualify, how the process works, and some handy tips to help you complete your application without any problems for the academic session.

NSFAS Application Period for 2026-2027

You can apply for NSFAS funding for 2026-2027 starting from September 1, 2025, until January 31, 2026. Make sure to send in your application before the deadline because late submissions won’t be accepted. Applying early helps you avoid stress and gives you enough time to fix any issues.

Who qualifies 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.

Can a 17-Year-Old Student Apply for NSFAS Funding in 2026?

Yes, a 17-year-old can apply for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. NSFAS provides financial aid to South African students who want to study at public universities or TVET colleges.

Required Documents for NSFAS 2026 Application

All NSFAS applicants for the 2026 academic year must provide the following supporting documents;

• A certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
• A copy of your parent or guardian’s ID or death certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of household income (e.g., SASSA grant, recent payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed).
• Your matric certificate or final Grade 12 results (if applicable).
• Proof of university or TVET college admission or provisional acceptance.

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026 Funding

Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year;

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab.
• Complete the sections on the screen.
• Upload the required supporting documents.; such as ID Documents,
• Click on the “Submit” button to finish the application.

Contact NSFAS

We are available to assist through the following channels:

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

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) of South Africa is essential in ensuring that students from varied backgrounds have access to higher education. For many young South Africans, NSFAS is the way to achieve their academic goals. But what if you’re 17 years old and want to go to college? Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

RELATED LINKS