When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

If you’re a student in South Africa hoping to further your career at a university or a TVET college but worried about how to pay for it, you’re probably wondering when you can apply for NSFAS. This financial aid scheme is a huge help for many students, covering costs like tuition, housing, books, and even some living expenses. Knowing when applications open and close is super important, so you don’t miss your chance to get this support. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded project that aims to make higher education more affordable to South African students.

NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of loans and bursaries to students who meet the qualifying criteria, assisting them in covering tuition, housing, and other study-related expenditures. As the 2026-2027 academic year draws near, it looks like NSFAS applications will generally open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. This gives you a good few months to get everything ready.

While those are the main dates, remember that TVET college students may have slightly different application periods depending on when their courses start, like for different trimesters or semesters. So, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the official NSFAS announcements. South African students interested in getting help from NSFAS should start gathering their documents, academic records, and their parents’ or guardians’ financial information now. This way, when the application window opens, you’ll be prepared to fill everything out smoothly and submit your application on time. It’s all about making sure you have the best possible chance to get the funding you need for your studies.

When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

Learn more: Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

NSFAS Application Dates for 2026

NSFAS opens its applications for the following academic year in September 2025. The application portal will be opened in September 2025 and close in January 2026. All interested students must do well to submit their applications before the closing date, since late applications will not be considered for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Eligibility & Who Should Apply For 2026 NSFAS

The following people qualify for the NSFAS bursary in 2026;

• 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 disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

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.

When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

How To Apply Online for NSFAS 2026

Applying to NSFAS is simple, straightforward, and convenient. Follow the steps below to apply for 2026 funding;

• 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.
• Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
• Click on ‘Submit’

Learn more: Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

When is NSFAS Opening For 2026

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#

Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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