NSFAS Online Application 2026

NSFAS Online Application 2026

Are you a student in South Africa who intends to study at a college or university but feels worried about how you will afford it? The good news is that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is here to assist you. NSFAS offers monetary help to students who don’t have enough money to pay for higher education on their own. If you plan to apply, you should know that NSFAS has already opened the application process. They are now accepting applications from qualified students across South Africa who need help paying for their studies.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the online application window started on 1 September 2025 and closed on 31 January 2026. To apply for funding, you must visit the NSFAS website and use the online application system. There, you will find the application form that you need to fill out carefully. You will also need to prepare and upload important documentation like your South African ID, proof of your household income, and your latest academic results.

Be sure to check that all the details you provide are correct before you submit your application for the 2026 school year.  Missing information or late submissions could mean you won’t be considered for funding. Start your application early to avoid any problems. Take this chance to make your dream of higher education come true. Apply for NSFAS funding today!

Learn more: NSFAS How To Apply

When to Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027

The online application portal for the 2026-2027 academic year will be open from September 1 to January 31, 2026. During this time, students who need financial support from NSFAS to study at TVET colleges or universities can apply. If you’re planning to apply, make sure you submit your application before the deadline, as late applications won’t be accepted for the 2026 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

To apply for NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), you must meet the following requirements:

• South African citizens or permanent residents
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350,000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600,000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027?

The following students must not apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year;

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

Required Documents To Apply for NSFAS 2026

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.

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process for 2026-2027

NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year are done online on the official website of the agency during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2026;

• 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
• Click on ‘Submit’.

Learn more: www.nsfas.org.za Apply 2026 Online Application

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

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

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#

For general, student, and NSFAS Wallet enquiries

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address

• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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