Do I Have To Apply For NSFAS Every Year?

Do I Have To Apply For NSFAS Every Year?

If you’re a South African student wondering whether you need to apply for NSFAS every year, you’re not alone. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an important role in helping students from low-income families afford their higher education. Many students ask the important question: Do I have to submit a new application every year to keep receiving funding? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. You do not have to apply for NSFAS every year. If your application for NSFAS funding is granted, the funds will support you until you complete your qualification, as long as you fulfil the higher education requirements. NSFAS funding is available for undergraduates at Universities and TVET Colleges.

Before applying for NSFAS, ensure you meet the academic requirements and have in possession all supporting documents necessary for applying for funding. Once you have been approved for NSFAS funding and have started your studies, you don’t need to reapply annually. NSFAS funding is generally granted for the full duration of your chosen qualification, as long as you continue meeting certain conditions. These include maintaining satisfactory academic progress and adhering to the N+ rule, which limits the number of years you can be funded for a particular course.

This means that if you pass your modules and stay on track to complete your qualification within the expected time, your funding will continue automatically. However, it is important to keep your details updated and regularly check your student portal for any communications from NSFAS. If your circumstances change, or if you have been out of study for some time, you may need to reapply. Understanding this process helps reduce stress and ensures your funding remains uninterrupted throughout your studies. Visit the official website of the agency to complete the online application form, upload supporting documents, and submit it before the closing date.

Learn more: NSFAS Supporting Documents 20262027

NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2026-2027

Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2026-2027 academic year begin in September, allowing eligible students to apply for funding. The application portal closes on January 31, 2026; therefore, all interested individuals are advised to submit their applications before the closing date. NSFAS will not consider late applications for the academic session.

Who can apply for NSFAS 2026-2027

To qualify for an NSFAS bursary, you must meet the following eligibility requirements;

Must be a South African citizen / permanent resident
Combined gross household income should not exceed R350,000 per annum
Combined gross household income (persons living with disabilities) should not exceed R600,000 per annum
SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility

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.

NSFAS 2026-2027 Application Procedure

The NSFAS applications are done online on the official website of the NSFAS agency. The NSFAS application procedure is straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS;