NSFAS Closing Date 2026

NSFAS Closing Date 2026

Are you dreaming of studying at a university or TVET college in South Africa but feel stressed about paying for tuition and living costs? You’re not alone. Many students feel the same way, and that’s exactly why the National Student Financial Aid Scheme was created. NSFAS offers important financial help to thousands of South African students every year. This support makes it possible for them to study and build a better future.

However, if you want to receive this funding, it’s very important to know when applications close. The NSFAS closing date for 2026 is not just another date you can ignore—it’s a key deadline that decides whether you will get help or not. If you miss it, you could have to put your studies on hold or struggle to pay for everything on your own. Usually, NSFAS applications open on September 1 and stay open until January 31.

For the 2026-2027 school year, the portal is expected to open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. This gives you about five months to get your documents ready and complete your application. Don’t wait until the last minute because technical problems or missing papers can cause delays. It’s best to start early, double-check all your details, and follow official NSFAS updates. This way, you can make sure you don’t miss this valuable chance to fund your studies and follow your dreams.

Learn more: NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

What Is the NSFAS Closing Date for 2026?

The NSFAS application portal opens on September 1 and closes on January 31, 2026; therefore, prospective applicants are urged to submit their applications before the closing date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered for the 2026 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, candidates must meet specific financial and academic requirements.

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

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.

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Apply for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year online on the official website of the agency during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2026;

• 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
• Click on ‘Submit’.

What NSFAS Funding Covers for 2026-2027

NSFAS funding is designed to help students study without the stress of financial problems. It covers important costs, such as;

• Registration & Tuition Fees
• Personal Care Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Accommodation Allowance

Learn more: Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

How to Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click the myNSFAS button at the top right of the homepage.

Log In to Your Account

• Enter your email address and password.
• Complete the CAPTCHA to confirm it’s you.
• Click Sign In.

Check Your Application Status

• After logging in, find the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
• Click it to see your current status.

Contact NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

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#

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

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

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

Mark the NSFAS closing date for 2026 on your calendar, carefully follow the application process, and ensure you satisfy the qualifying conditions to make the most of this opportunity. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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