NSFAS Deadline 2026/2027

NSFAS Deadline 2026/2027

If you’re a student in South Africa hoping to study further but worried about how to pay for it, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) might be just what you need. NSFAS is a government program that helps students from low-income families by covering the costs of studying at public universities and TVET colleges. It’s designed to give everyone a fair chance at higher education, no matter their financial background.

Applying for NSFAS funding can feel a bit confusing at first, but once you understand the process, it becomes easier to manage. One of the most important things to keep in mind is the application deadline. While the official dates for the 2026/2027 academic year haven’t been confirmed yet, NSFAS usually opens applications in the last few months of the year before. So, you can expect the applications to start around September 2025.

To be ready, it’s a good idea to gather all your documents early and check if you meet the requirements. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—who qualifies, what documents you need, and how to apply online. We’ll also explain what NSFAS covers, such as tuition fees, transport, books, and even meals and accommodation. With the right preparation, you can give yourself the best chance of getting financial support through NSFAS.

Learn more: NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

When Is the NSFAS Application Deadline for 2026/2027?

NSFAS usually starts accepting applications in September and closes them around January. For the 2026/2027 academic year, applications are expected to open on 1 September 2025 and close on 31 January 2026. Keep in mind that these dates could change, so it’s important to visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za to stay updated.

NSFAS Deadline 2026/2027

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet specific criteria

• 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.

What does the NSFAS bursary cover?

NSFAS covers the following;

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation
  As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

NSFAS Deadline 2026/2027

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 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.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Pay For January 2026

The NSFAS Application Process for 2026-2027

Follow the steps below to enroll for NSFAS;

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
• 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’.

 NSFAS Contact Details

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

The NSFAS deadline is a significant date for South African students pursuing higher education. Failure to meet this deadline may endanger your chances of getting important financial support for your education. To avoid missing out, arrange legal papers, submit your application online, and stay up to speed on developments and deadlines. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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