Register For NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS registration portal is now open for all students who need financial help to further their studies. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government program in South Africa that offers funding to students who qualify and want to study at public universities or TVET colleges in the country. If you’re planning to start university or college in 2026-2027 and are worried about how to pay for your studies, NSFAS might be the help you need.

NSFAS aims to support students who come from households that cannot afford to pay for higher education. This support can cover things like tuition fees, accommodation, transport, study materials, and even food allowances, depending on your situation. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning student who still qualifies for financial aid, registering with NSFAS is an important step toward securing funding.

You must meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents when applying. In this complete guide, you’ll find all the essential details you need about NSFAS registration for the 2026 academic year. This includes who can apply, what documents are needed, the deadlines you should be aware of, and a step-by-step guide on how to complete your registration.

Learn more: NSFAS Online Application Form 2026-2027

NSFAS Registration Date for 2026-2027

The NSFAS registration portal is now open for all South African students who need financial help to study at a university or college. You can apply for the 2026 academic year starting from September 1, 2025. The deadline to register is January 31, 2026. Make sure to complete your registration within this time, as late applications will not be accepted for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Who Can Register For NSFAS 2026?

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must:

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
Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Documents Required to Register For NSFAS 2026

Prospective students must upload supporting documents to complete the registration process. The following documents are required to register for NSFAS 2026;

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 Register for NSFAS 2026

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS 2026;