When Will NSFAS Open For 2026 Application

When Will NSFAS Open For 2026 Application

Are you feeling unsure about when to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year? You’re not alone, and the good news is, you’ve come to the right place. This post will give you all the information you need to feel more confident about your next steps. We’re happy to share that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially announced the opening dates for the 2026 application period. This means that if you’re planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa next year, and you meet the requirements, you’ll soon be able to apply for financial assistance.

NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year will open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026.​ The NSFAS application portal will be open to all eligible students who are ready to take the next step in their education journey. If you’re thinking about applying, now is a great time to start getting everything in order.

Make sure you meet the NSFAS requirements and gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of income, certified copies of your ID, and your latest academic results. Preparing early can make the process much easier, and it helps avoid delays when applications officially open. Keep an eye out for updates, and don’t miss your chance to apply for the financial support you need for 2026.

Learn more: What Is Happening With NSFAS 2026

NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2026 

• If you’re planning to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year, take note that applications will open on September 1, 2025. From this date, eligible students can start submitting their applications online.
• Make sure to complete and send in your application on time because the closing date is January 31, 2026. NSFAS will not accept any late applications after this deadline. It’s a good idea to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.

Who Is Eligible For NSFAS 2026?

The following people are eligible to apply for NSFAS Funding 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
• 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 the NSFAS bursary cover?

For NSFAS-qualifying students, they pay for:

• Registration & Tuition Fees
• Personal Care Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Accommodation Allowance

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: Apply To NSFAS

How to Apply Online for NSFAS 2026

NSFAS Applications are done online on the official website of NSFAS  at www.nsfas.org.za during the application period. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS funding;

• Go to the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za
• Log in to your account using your username and password.
• Navigate to the “MyNSFAS” portal
• Select “Upload Documents.”
• Select the documents you wish to upload
• Click on the “Upload” button for each document category
• Review the uploaded documents to ensure they are accurate
• Submit your documents.

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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