NSFAS How To Apply

NSFAS How To Apply

Are you currently enrolled in a South African institution or planning to be, and wondering how to secure financial support for your studies? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially launched its application process for the 2026 academic year, offering a vital lifeline to students across the country. Essentially, NSFAS is a bursary program, generously funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training, specifically created for individuals who genuinely lack the financial resources to cover their educational costs and are unable to obtain funding through traditional means like bank loans or private bursaries.

If you’re a prospective student eager to pursue higher education but facing financial hurdles, now is the time to act! You’ll need to submit your application for NSFAS funding during the official application period.​ The process typically involves completing an online application form and providing all the necessary information. It’s important to ensure every detail is accurate to give your application the best chance of success.

This complete guide aims to be your comprehensive guide through the NSFAS application journey. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including the precise opening and closing dates for applications, the specific eligibility criteria you must meet, a detailed list of all the documents you’ll need to gather, and a step-by-step breakdown of exactly how to complete your NSFAS application. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of securing the financial assistance you need.

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application 2026

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

To be eligible for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following 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
• A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for funding and do not need to submit any proof of income.

Who should not apply for NSFAS 2026?

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

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

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2026:

Create a profile:

• Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.

Apply now:

• To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.

Complete:

• Submit your application

Learn more: Is NSFAS Still Open

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

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

Applying for NSFAS is a simple process that can help many deserving South African students get access to higher education. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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