Will NSFAS Fund Education Students In 2026?

Are you planning to study education in 2026 and wondering if NSFAS will help cover your costs? The good news is that, yes, NSFAS will offer funding for the 2026-2027 academic year to students who meet the requirements. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is inviting all students who want to apply for funding in 2026 to start preparing now. It’s essential to check if you meet the qualifications before applying. Once ready, you can submit your application online through the myNSFAS Student Portal.

NSFAS is a government-funded programme aimed at helping South African students who want to study at public universities or TVET colleges but cannot afford the fees. It mainly supports students from low-income households by covering tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and a living allowance in some cases.

This support helps ensure that financial challenges don’t stop capable and hardworking students from reaching their academic goals. If you’re thinking of applying for NSFAS in 2026, don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure you have all the documentation ready and monitor the NSFAS website for updates about when applications officially open. Applying early can give you peace of mind and increase your chances of receiving the funding on time.

Learn more: When Will NSFAS Open For 2026

NSFAS Application Opening and Closing Date for 2026

The NSFAS Online Application Portal for the 2026 Academic year will be made available from September 2025 to January 2026. Eligible students are advised to submit applications for funding before the closing date. Late applications will not be considered for the 2026 academic year.

Who Qualifies to Apply for NSFAS 2026

To apply for NSFAS, you must meet the following criteria:

All SASSA grant recipients
Must have an email and cell phone number
Be a South African citizen with a valid ID number
Be a first-time entering university or TVET college student
Household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum
Must meet the academic requirements for admission to a university or TVET college
For persons living with disabilities, household income should not exceed R600,000 per annum.

What Does NSFAS Cover in 2026?

NSFAS Bursary covers the following;

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 the institution) R7,500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET

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

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.

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS Application is done online on the official website of the agency. The NSFAS application procedure is simple, convenient, and straightforward. Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS funding;

Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account.
Step 3: Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen.
Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’

Learn more: Will NSFAS Fund Me If I Fail 60% Of My Modules?

How to Check Your myNSFAS Application Status

Follow these steps to see how your application is progressing:

Visit the myNSFAS Portal