Do We Reapply For NSFAS Every Year?

Do We Reapply For NSFAS Every Year?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students from low-income households so they can access higher education without worrying about tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials. If you are studying at a university or TVET college in South Africa, you might be wondering whether you need to reapply for NSFAS funding every year.  However, knowing how the application process works can be confusing, especially when it comes to renewing your funding.

Student must go through a comprehensive application procedure when they first apply for the NSFAS, which includes providing details about their finances, academic transcripts, and personal information. The good news is that you do not always have to reapply each year if your funding has already been approved and you meet the academic progression requirements. NSFAS automatically reviews your results to check if you still qualify.

But in some situations, like changing your course, moving to a different institution, deregistering, or taking a gap year, you must submit a new application. Knowing when and how to reapply is important to avoid losing your financial support. In this complete guide, we’ll explain exactly who needs to reapply for NSFAS each year, what steps to follow, and what you can do to ensure you remain funded throughout your studies.

Read more: Which College Does NSFAS Fund

NSFAS Application Opening and Closing Date for 2026

The NSFAS application is scheduled to begin in September and run through January. Interested students should submit their applications before the deadline to be eligible for funding in the 2026 school year. The application portal is available to anyone who meets the requirements and has supporting documentation. All full applications must be completed before the closing date, since late applications will not be considered for the academic year 2026.

• NSFAS Open Date: 1st September 2025
• NSFAS Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Who Should Reapply for NSFAS?

• Students who are already studying and want to keep getting NSFAS funding need to reapply if they don’t meet the academic requirements for continuing support.
• If you decide to switch from a TVET college to a university, or from a university to a TVET college, you must also reapply.
• Also, if you deregistered or dropped out in the middle of the year and want to return to your studies later, you’ll have to apply again during the usual NSFAS application time.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are provided below;

• You must be a South African citizen
• A student must be registered or intending to register on a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 programme at any of the fifty (50) public TVET Colleges in South Africa;
• Must need financial assistance (NSFAS will determine whether or not a student meets the financial eligibility criteria);
• Returning students must demonstrate proven and accepted academic performance (academically deserving) in line with the College’s progression policy or the progression prescriptions of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever is higher);
• Must not be enrolling for a qualification that duplicates previous learning that was state-funded; and
• Applicants will qualify if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum and have been admitted to/received a firm offer for enrolment in a College.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

• A certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
• Proof of income for yourself and your parents or guardians, such as salary slips or an affidavit
• A certified copy of your latest academic results or a statement of results
• A letter of acceptance from the tertiary institution you will be attending
• A completed and signed NSFAS bursary application form

Read more: NSFAS TVET Colleges

How To Apply Online For NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2026;

• Visit the NSFAS portal at https://www.nsfas.org.za/
• Select the “Create an account” tab, where you will be required to fill in your ID number, first and last name, email address, contact number, and your selected password
• You will then be required to validate your account and the information you have provided
• After creating your account, you will be able to select the “Login” tab and log in by filling in your ID number and password.
• Fill in all the required information and upload your supporting documents.
• Submit your application before the closing date.

Contact NSFAS

They 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#

NSFAS remains devoted to providing deserving South African students with access to higher education, therefore making education a point of entry to a brighter future. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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