NSFAS Application Form 2026

Getting money to pay for college or university is a big deal for many students in South Africa, and NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is here to help make higher education possible. The NSFAS Application Form for 2026 is your first step to getting that help for the next school year, especially if you come from a family that doesn’t have a lot of money. Knowing how to apply, when to apply, and what papers you need is super important to get your application right. This guide will tell you all about applying for NSFAS in 2026, so you can be ready to get the support you need for your studies.

In South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been a light of hope for innumerable students hoping to further their education. NSFAS, which was founded to make tertiary education accessible to all, has played an important role in levelling the playing field and ensuring that financial restraints do not prevent deserving students from reaching their academic goals. As the year 2026 approaches, it’s important to comprehend the complex details of the NSFAS application form for the 2026 academic year. Find all the required forms to download and submit below.

With the 2026 application period coming up, if you’re thinking of furthering your education, you should learn about who can apply. It mostly depends on your family’s income and how well you’re doing in school. So, if you’re finishing high school and planning for college, or if you’re already studying and need more help, the NSFAS Application Form 2026 is your chance to get this amazing financial support. The application will be open from September 2025 until January 31, 2026, giving you plenty of time to get everything together. Make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to fund your education!

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application Form 2026/2027

NSFAS Application Dates for 2026

You can apply for the 2026 academic year starting in September 2025, and applications will close in January 2026. Late applications won’t be considered, so be sure to submit yours before the deadline. To stay informed, keep checking the NSFAS official website for any updates on application dates.

What NSFAS Bursary Covers

The funding covers the cost of the following:

Registration
Tuition Fees and learning materials
Living allowance
Personal care allowance
Transport or Accommodation

Living/Personal and Transport allowances are not part of the loan scheme funding.

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements for 2026

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

You must be a South African citizen
You must be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in 2026
You must be studying or intend to study at a public tertiary institution within South Africa (a University or TVET College)
You must have satisfactory academic records
You must NOT have completed any previous qualifications
You must be in a state of financial need
You must fit into at least one of the following categories:

You are an SASSA grant recipient
You have a total combined household income of NOT more than R350,000 per annum
You are living with a disability AND have a total combined household income NOT more than R600,000 per annum,
You started studying before 201,8 and have a total combined household income of NOT more than R122 000 per annum.

Learn more: NSFAS Bursary Application Form 2026 PDF

How to Apply Online for NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS application form for 2026 will be available online during the application period, and the application process is straightforward. The NSFAS application process is done online on the official website of the agency. Follow these steps to submit your application for NSFAS funding:

Visit our website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Create a myNSFAS profile
Complete all required information
Submit your application

NSFAS Forms To Download

Contact NSFAS

For all other queries regarding students:
Tel No.: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za

The NSFAS application form for the 2026 academic year is the key to a quality higher education free of heavy student loans. Understanding the qualifying criteria, completing the application form accurately and on time, and being engaged with the process will boost your chances of receiving the financial assistance you require to fulfil your academic objectives. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. Visit the NSFAS Official website here for additional information

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