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;