NSFAS Who Can Apply 2026/2027

Paying for higher education can be a major challenge for many South African students and their families. Fortunately, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers a lifeline by providing financial support to those who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities or TVET colleges. NSFAS is more than just a bursary for tuition — it also helps with other essential expenses like housing, learning materials, transport, and meals, making it easier for students to focus on their studies.

As the 2026/2027 academic year draws closer, future students need to know who can apply for this valuable support. NSFAS funding is aimed at students who come from low-income households and show the ability to succeed in their studies. To qualify, you must be a South African citizen, meet the household income limits, and meet the required academic performance standards.

While NSFAS policies may change slightly from year to year, the key criteria usually stay the same. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn about the application process early. This includes checking if you meet the requirements, gathering the correct documents, and knowing the deadlines. Being prepared gives you a better chance of receiving the support you need to reach your academic goals and build a better future.

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Pass 50% Of My Modules?

Who Can Apply for NSFAS 2026/2027?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you 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.

Who Qualifies Academically

If you’re a TVET College student (Report 191), you must pass at least 3 out of 4 subjects.
For NC(V) students, you must pass at least 5 subjects to move to the next level and still qualify for a loan.
Students doing occupational programmes at TVET Colleges will have their progress checked by the college, and results will be sent to NSFAS.
Only students following approved academic paths at public universities or TVET Colleges will be funded under these rules.
Whether you keep getting NSFAS funding depends on how well you do in your studies. This is based on the number of modules or subjects you pass each term.
NSFAS and institutions will work together to make sure they follow the same academic rules.
If you’re a university student, you need to pass at least 60% of your modules each term to keep getting funded.

Who Should Not Apply?

Students who already have a qualification do not qualify.
Students whose total household income is more than R350,000 per year are not eligible.
Students who have already applied, been approved, and are receiving funding will continue to be funded throughout their studies, as long as they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

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.

Learn more: How Many Modules Should I Pass For NSFAS 2026?

Apply for NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to complete the NSFAS application;

Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
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

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

By meeting these qualification requirements and diligently following the application procedure, you can increase your chances of receiving financial assistance from NSFAS to pursue your higher education ambitions in South Africa. Visit the official website for NSFAS for more information.

Who Gets NSFAS

NSFAS How To Apply