NSFAS For Postgraduate 2026
NSFAS For Postgraduate 2026
If you’re planning to study further in 2026 by doing a postgraduate course, it’s essential to know that NSFAS will not fund any postgraduate qualifications. This includes postgraduate certificates, diplomas, honours degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs. NSFAS used to assist some of these courses before 2020, but from 2021 onwards, they stopped offering financial aid for postgraduate studies completely. This change means students who want to study beyond an undergraduate degree must now find other ways to fund their education.
NSFAS made this decision to focus its limited budget on helping more students at the undergraduate level, such as those doing diplomas and bachelor’s degrees. Their goal is to offer free higher education to students who need it most and are studying for their first qualification. If you are interested in postgraduate studies, you should look into other funding options.
One of the main organisations now offering support for postgraduate students is the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NRF provides funding for various postgraduate programmes, especially in areas like science, technology, engineering, humanities, and indigenous knowledge. To increase your chances of getting financial support, start researching early. Check the NRF website and other university scholarship opportunities for deadlines, requirements, and how to apply.
Learn more: What Courses Are Not Funded By NSFAS 2026?
Does NSFAS Fund Postgraduate Studies?
However, NSFAS will not fund postgraduate courses for the 2026 academic year. Students seeking funding for postgraduate qualifications are encouraged to contact and apply through the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Eligibility Requirements For NSFAS Funding 2026
To be eligible for NSFAS funding, 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.
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 Do I Apply For NSFAS 2026?
NSFAS Applications for the 2026 academic year must be made online on the official website of NSFAS by completing the application form with the required information. To apply, follow the steps below;
- 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 required supporting documents where applicable*
- Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’
Learn more: NSFAS Bursaries 2026/2027
Other Ways to Get Funding for Postgraduate Studies
If NSFAS doesn’t cover your course, don’t worry — there are other options you can look into for financial help:
- Bank study loans or employer sponsorships
- Funza Lushaka (for teaching) or Department of Health bursaries
- National Research Foundation (NRF) bursaries
- University-specific bursaries and scholarships
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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