When Will NSFAS Open For 2026

Did you know you can apply for NSFAS if you’re a student in South Africa hoping to study at a university or TVET college, but worried about how to pay? NSFAS can help. It covers things like tuition fees, housing, books, and some living costs. So, it’s essential to know when you can apply so you don’t miss out. As the 2026 academic year comes to a close, many potential students are already thinking about the 2026 academic year and asking when NSFAS will launch its financing application process.

NSFAS is a government-funded program that assists eligible South African students with the costs of higher education. It provides loans and bursaries to cover tuition, housing, books, and other study-related expenditures. Students receive these monies depending on their financial needs, academic performance, and other eligibility criteria. Applications are expected to open on September 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic session.

That gives you enough time to get your credentials ready. Just know that if you’re applying to a TVET college, your deadlines might be a little different depending on when your course starts. Make sure to check the official NSFAS announcements to stay updated. It’s a good idea to start gathering all your paperwork now—things like your ID, school results, and your parents’ financial info. This way, when applications open, you can apply easily and on time, giving yourself the best chance to get the financial help you need to continue your academic journey.

Read more: Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

Key Dates for NSFAS 2026 Applications

NSFAS usually sticks to a regular timeline for opening and closing applications. For 2026, you can start applying online from 1 September 2025. The application portal will close on 31 January 2026. It’s very important to submit your application before the deadline, because if you apply late, your application won’t be considered for funding for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Who Can Get NSFAS Funding in 2026

To get NSFAS funding for 2026, you need to meet certain requirements.

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 the NSFAS Bursary Pays For

NSFAS funding helps cover many different costs related to going to college or university

UNIVERSITY

Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Essential Documents for NSFAS Application 2026

The following documents must be attached to your application form to support the information provided;

A certified copy of your ID document or birth certificate
Proof of income for yourself and your parents or guardians, such as salary slips or an affidavit
A certified copy of your latest academic results or a statement of results
A letter of acceptance from the tertiary institution you will be attending
A completed and signed NSFAS bursary application form

How to Apply Online for NSFAS 2026 Funding

The NSFAS application 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’

Read more: Will NSFAS Be Open In January 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.

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.

NB: All certified copies must be no more than three months old. The South African Police Service or the South African Post Office can certify your documents. If you are under the age of 18 or are 18 and older and STILL DEPENDENT on your parents’ or legal guardian’s household income, this also applies to you.

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.

RELATED LINKS

Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

When Will NSFAS Open For 2026 Application