Will NSFAS Fund Education In 2026?

Will NSFAS Fund Education In 2026?

NSFAS helps many students in South Africa pay for their studies. As the 2026-2027 academic session draws near, a lot of people want to know if NSFAS will still provide money for education next year. It’s important to find out so you can plan how to pay for your studies at university or college in South Africa. NSFAS typically covers costs like tuition fees, accommodation, food, and books. The government wants to keep assisting students to get a chance to study, but it’s a good idea to stay updated on any changes to the rules or funding for 2026.

NSFAS Funds only pay for well-accredited courses aligned with its constitution; therefore, all qualified students may begin to submit their applications for the academic year. NSFAS, which was founded in 1991, has been instrumental in South Africa’s attempts to promote access to higher education. The program covers expenses such as tuition, lodging, and daily allowances, allowing students to focus on their studies without worrying about financial obligations.

If you want to apply, make sure you have all your documents ready and know when the application opens and closes. While NSFAS has helped many students before, sometimes things change with the budget or who can get help. Knowing how NSFAS works and checking for news can improve your chances of getting funding. In this complete guide, we’ll let you know if NSFAS will fund education in 2026, what you need to qualify, and how to apply so you can prepare for your studies ahead of time.

Read more: What Is The 55% Rule For NSFAS 2026?

Application Period for 2026 NSFAS Funding

The application portal of NSFAS opens in September 2025 and closes in January 2026. Therefore, prospective students are advised to submit their application within this time frame. Applicants must note that late applications will not be considered for the 2026 academic year.

NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026

To apply for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year, you must meet the following requirements;

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be studying or intend to study towards an undergraduate qualification in 2026
• You must be studying or intend to study at a public tertiary institution within South Africa (a University or TVET College)
• You must have satisfactory academic records
• You must NOT have completed any previous qualifications
• You must be in a state of financial need.

What does the bursary cover?

If your application is approved, NSFAS usually pays for different costs that help with your studies and daily living expenses.

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

NSFAS Approved Programs for 2026

for applying to. NSFAS in 2026, kindly note that these are the programs the Scheme will pay for.

• NSFAS funds Ministerial programs, and students must refer to each college; however, the generally funded programs are below:
• Engineering Studies – (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies – Report 191 N1-N6
• Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering, Construction, and Information Technology & Computer Science
• Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
• Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
• Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) funding through NSFAS

Supporting Documents to Apply for NSFAS 2026

All NSFAS applicants for the 2026 academic year must provide the following supporting documents;

• A certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.
• A copy of your parent or guardian’s ID or death certificate (if applicable).
• Proof of household income (e.g., SASSA grant, recent payslips, or an affidavit if unemployed).
• Your matric certificate or final Grade 12 results (if applicable).
• Proof of university or TVET college admission or provisional acceptance.

Read more: Which Courses Does NSFAS Fund

NSFAS Application Procedure for 2026-2027

Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS for the 2026-2027 academic year;

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account.
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab.
• Complete the sections on the screen.
• Upload the required supporting documents.; such as ID Documents,
• Click on the “Submit” button to finish the application.

Contact NSFAS

We are available to assist through the following channels:

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme

Twitter: @myNSFAS

Instagram: @myNSFAS

WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006

USSD:*120*67327#

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has provided financial aid to many South African students, allowing them to pursue higher education. However, as the academic year 2026 approaches, there are concerns and questions about NSFAS’s ability to continue funding education at the same level as before. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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