NSFAS Bursaries For 2026

NSFAS Bursaries For 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries for 2026 are here to help South African students afford their studies. If you come from a family with a low income and want to study at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college, NSFAS bursaries can support you by paying for your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other school expenses. This financial aid is designed to make sure that money worries don’t stop students from getting a good education.

To qualify for an NSFAS bursary in 2026, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident. Your family’s combined income should be less than R350,000 a year. For students with disabilities, the income limit is a bit higher, at R600,000. If your family receives government social grants, you will also likely qualify. You must be accepted or already studying at a public university or TVET college, and you should pass your courses while studying to keep your funding.

Applying for NSFAS bursaries is easy if you have all your documents ready. You will need your ID, proof of your family’s income, or a letter from SASSA if you get social grants, and your school results. The application period for 2026 begins in September 2025 and closes in January 2026, so make sure to apply early and check the NSFAS website for updates. Remember, NSFAS might not cover everything, so look for other funding options if needed.

Learn more: Which College Does NSFAS Fund

When Does the NSFAS Application for 2026 Open?

If you want to apply for a bursary from NSFAS for the 2026 academic year, you’ll need to apply during the official application period. Applications open in September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026. Make sure to submit your application as early as possible. Late applications will not be accepted, so it’s important to complete and submit everything before the deadline.

NSFAS Bursary Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the NSFAS bursary, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the agency. To be eligible for the NSFAS bursary, you must meet the following 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
• Must have an email and cell phone number.

Who can not apply?

• Students who have received 100% study funding from non-NSFAS sources.
• A student who has already obtained an undergraduate qualification and wants to study for a second undergraduate qualification.
• A student who has achieved a certificate qualification and wants to study for a second certificate qualification.
• Students studying at a private institution.
• Students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET and/or SAQA-accredited.

What does the funding cover?

The Bursary

The funding covers the cost of the following:

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

Student Loan

The funding covers the cost of the following:

• Transport or Accommodation
• Learning Material
• Accommodation

Learn more: How Many Months Does NSFAS Pay

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.

 Apply For the NSFAS Bursary 2026

NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year must be done online on the official website of NSFAS. Follow the steps below to apply;

•  Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
•  Create a myNSFAS account
•  Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
•  Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
•  Click on ‘Submit’.

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#

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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