Do I Have To Apply For NSFAS Every Semester?
Do I Have To Apply For NSFAS Every Semester?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps many South African students pay for their studies when they don’t have enough money. If you already get funding from NSFAS or you’re planning to apply, you might be wondering if you have to fill out a new application every semester to keep getting support. This is a very common question for students who depend on NSFAS to pay for things like tuition fees, accommodation, books, and living costs. When you apply for NSFAS, you effectively request assistance for the duration of your chosen course of study. If you are approved for NSFAS funding, it will cover you until you complete your qualification, as long as you meet academic achievement requirements.
The good news is that you don’t have to apply again every semester once NSFAS has approved your funding. Usually, your funding will carry on each year as long as you keep passing your courses and stay registered at your university or TVET college. Just remember to keep your personal details and study information updated on the myNSFAS portal so everything stays in order. Once your initial application gets approved, your financing is usually guaranteed for the entire academic year, divided into two semesters. NSFAS provides financial assistance to pay various expenditures associated with higher education, such as tuition, registration fees, study materials, housing, and food allowances.
NSFAS applicants often have to show that they have a real financial need, which means that they and their families cannot afford to pay for their own higher education. However, there are some cases where you will need to reapply. For example, if you decide to change your course or move to a different college or university, or if your last application wasn’t successful, you’ll need to submit a new application when the next application period opens. In this guide, we’ll explain clearly when you need to apply for NSFAS, how the renewal process works, and what you should do to make sure your funding doesn’t stop.
Learn more: NSFAS For Second Semester 2026
NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2026
The application portal of NSFAS is expected to open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. Eligible students are advised to submit the completed applications before the closing date, since late applications will not be accepted for the 2026 academic year.
Who Can Apply For NSFAS 2026?
The following people can apply for NSFAS funding;
What does the bursary cover?
The NSFAS bursary helps cover a lot of your study costs, so you don’t have to stress about money. Here’s what it usually pays for:
Supporting Documents to Apply for NSFAS 2026
Certified copies of the following documents must be uploaded;
NSFAS Application Procedure 2026
NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the Government Agency. Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year;
Learn more: NSFAS Unisa Second Semester 2026
Contact NSFAS
They are available to assist through the following channels:
While you are not required to reapply every semester, you should be aware that NSFAS funding is not automatically extended each year. To guarantee that you continue to meet the qualifying criteria for financial assistance, you must go through an annual renewal process. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.
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