NSFAS January Application Closing Date 2026

NSFAS January Application Closing Date 2026

The NSFAS January application closing date for 2026 is January 31, 2026.​ This means that all students who want to apply for financial aid through NSFAS for the 2026 academic year must submit their applications by this date. It’s very important to apply on time because late applications are usually not accepted, and missing the deadline could mean losing a chance to get funding for your studies.

The application process opens on September 1, 2025, giving students a little over two months to complete and submit their forms. During this time, you will need to create an account on the NSFAS online portal, fill out your application, and upload some important documents. These documents include your South African ID or birth certificate, proof of your household income, and proof of your acceptance at a public university or college. Make sure to gather all these documents early so that your application can be processed smoothly.

Remember, NSFAS helps students who might find it hard to pay for their studies by covering things like tuition, accommodation, transport, and study materials. So, if you want to receive financial help for the 2026 school year, mark January 31, 2026, as the final day to apply. Don’t wait until the last minute—apply as early as you can to avoid any problems and give yourself the best chance of getting funding.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Pay For January 2026

When Does the NSFAS Application Close in January 2026?

The NSFAS application portal opens in September 2025 and closes on 31 January 2026; therefore, prospective applicants must do well to submit their completed applications before the closing date. NSFAS will not accept late applications for the 2026 academic year. APPLY NOW!!!

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must be;

• 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 NSFAS Fund?

NSFAS funding 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

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

Required Documents To Apply For NSFAS

The following documents are required to apply for NSFAS;

• 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: NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date

 Apply For NSFAS 2026

Applying for NSFAS is a simple procedure, although it does need careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing your application:

• Go to the NSFAS official website at 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 the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

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#

The NSFAS January 2026 application deadline is quickly approaching. Take advantage of the opportunity to get financial help for your studies. Apply today to go one step closer to your academic ambitions. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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