Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

NSFAS is pleased to announce to the general public the reopening of the application for 2026-2027 undergraduate applicants who qualify for financial aid. The online application portal opens from September 2025 to December 15, 2025, so if you are looking forward to applying, you can submit your application during this period. Applicants can complete the online application on the NSFAS official portal at www.nsfas.org.za, provided they are eligible to apply.

NSFAS offers financial aid to eligible students from low-income backgrounds, covering essential costs like tuition, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses. To qualify, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with a household income of R350,000 or less per year. For students with disabilities, the income cap increases to R600,000. When applying, you will need key documents such as a certified copy of your ID, proof of income, and academic records.

This guide will provide you with everything you need to successfully apply for NSFAS 2026-2027, from the important dates and dealing, application requirements, step-by-step guide on how to apply for 2026-2027 and checking your application status to steps you can take if your application is not approved.

READ: NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027

Benefits Of NSFAS 2026-2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) provides allowances to support South African students studying in public universities and TVET College to support them financially. These allowances help cover essential costs, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial strain. The NSFAS provides the following to eligible applicants;

NSFAS Allowance for University Students:

• Accommodation:

Covered based on actual university residence costs. Private accommodation must not exceed university residence fees.

• Transport: Up to R7,500 per year (for students living within 40 km of their institution).
• Living Allowance: R15,000 per year.
• Book Allowance: R5,200 per year.
• Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year (for students in catered residences).

TVET College Students:

Accommodation:

• Urban areas: R24,000 per year
• Peri-urban areas: R18,900 per year
• Rural areas: R15,750 per year

Transport:

•  Up to 40 km from the institution: R7,350 per year
• General transport allowance: R7,000 per year
• Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year.

NSFAS 2026-2027 Application Date

The online application window for the 2026-2027 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opens in September 2025 and closes on December 15, 2025. Students seeking financial assistance must apply within this period by visiting www.nsfas.org.za. Late applications may not be considered, so it is essential to submit all required documents before the deadline.

For those applying for NSFAS funding for the 2025-2026 academic year, the application portal is currently open. Eligible students should complete their submissions before the closing date to secure financial aid.

Who Can Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027?

You qualify to apply for NSFAS sponsorship if you are a South African citizen or a permanent resident.

Income Requirements:

• Bursary: Household income must be R350,000 or less per year (before deductions).
• Loan: Household income must be between R350,000 and R600,000 per year (before deductions).
• Persons with Disabilities: Household income must be R600,000 or less per year (before deductions).

Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027?

You cannot be able to apply for NSFAS if you fall under any of the following categories:

• Students who receive full funding from non-NSFAS sources.
• Those who have already completed an undergraduate qualification and wish to pursue a second undergraduate degree.
• Students who have earned a certificate qualification and want to enrol in another certificate program.
• Individuals studying at private institutions.
• Students enrolled in programs that are not approved by DHET or accredited by SAQA.

READ: NSFAS Online Applications For 2026-2027

Documents Required To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

NSFAS requires personal information from relevant agencies to verify the employment status and income level of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse. The following documents may be required:

• NSFAS Declaration Form

Must be completed by the Principal of the School or a Social Worker for non-SASSA applicants.

• Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form

Required for applicants under 18 years and must be completed by a Social Worker (Non-SASSA applicants only).

• NSFAS Consent Form

Must be signed by the applicant and/or their parent(s), guardian, or spouse. SASSA recipients do not need to submit this form.

• Proof of Legal Guardianship

If an applicant has a court-appointed legal guardian, they must provide official documentation issued by the Court.

• Non-Court-Appointed Guardianship

Applicants must submit the NSFAS Declaration Form instead.

• Disability Annexure Form

Must be completed by a certified medical professional (such as a doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of a disability unit). The form should confirm the applicant’s disability status and outline the type of support needed.

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Follow these steps below to successfully apply for NSFAS 2026-2027:

• Create a profile:

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.

• Apply now:

Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.

• Complete:

Submit your application.

Contact NSFAS

•  Email: info@nsfas.org.za
•  Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
•  Twitter: @myNSFAS
•  Instagram: @myNSFAS
•  WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
•  USSD:*120*67327#

Applying for NSFAS 2026-2027 is an important step for students who need financial support to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa. To improve your chances of getting funding, make sure you meet the requirements, gather all the necessary documents, and submit your application on time. Visit the official website of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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