What Is Needed For Nsfas Application 2026-2027

What Is Needed For Nsfas Application 2026-2027

What Documents Are Needed for NSFAS Application 2026-2027:

Applying for NSFAS funding is an important step for South African students who need financial assistance to study at a public university or TVET college. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding for tuition, accommodation, learning materials, and other study-related costs. For applicants aspiring to apply for NSFAS for the 2026-2027 academic year, knowing the required documents and eligibility criteria is essential to ensure a successful application.

To qualify for NSFAS, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident and come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less. If you are living with a disability, the income threshold is R600,000 per year. Applicants must submit specific documents, including a certified copy of their ID, proof of income, and academic records. SASSA grant recipients are automatically eligible and do not need to provide income proof. Also, students with disabilities must complete a Disability Annexure A Form, while vulnerable children must submit a Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

The NSFAS online application is expected to open in September 2025 and close in December 2025. Submitting a complete and accurate application before the deadline is essential, as late applications are not accepted. This guide will walk you through the NSFAS 2026-2027 application requirements, the step-by-step process, and the needed tips to increase your chances of securing funding.

Read: When Are Nsfas Applications Opening For 2026-2027

Nsfas 2026-2027 Application Open Date

• The applications for Nsfas 2026-2027 will be open from the 20th of September 2025 and closing on the 15th of December 2025

Nsfas 2026-2027 Application Closing Date

• Nsfas application for 2026 closes in December 2025. The late application window for the study season 2026 may be open from the 13th of January to the 27th of January 2025.
• Applicants who could not submit their applications in the initial application window can now hurry to do so as no grace period will be added.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027

Below are given those who qualify to apply for Nsfas for the academic year 2026-2027:

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
• A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Who Is Not Qualified To Receive Nsfas For 2026-2027

The following persons do not qualify for Nsfas:

• Students who have completed a previous qualification.
• Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
• Students who have already applied, qualified, and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

What Does The NSFAS Bursary Cover For University Students

If you are enrolled in any of the public universities in South Africa, the Nsfas bursary can cover the following:

• 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

What Does The NSFAS Bursary Cover For Tvet Colege Students

The Nsfas bursary covers the following for Tvet College students:

• 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

What Is Needed Requirements For Nsfas Application 2026-2027

Applicants applying for Nsfas for the study year 2026-2027 must have the following requirements:

• NSFAS gathers personal information from relevant agencies to verify the employment status and income level of the applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.
• Non-SASSA applicants must have the NSFAS Declaration Form completed by their school principal or a social worker.
• For applicants under 18, the Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form must be completed by a social worker for non-SASSA applicants.
• The NSFAS Consent Form must be signed by the applicant and/or their parent(s), guardian, or spouse. This form is not required for SASSA recipients (only for non-SASSA applicants).
• Applicants with a legal guardian must provide court-issued proof of guardianship.
• If the guardianship is not court-appointed, the applicant must submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.
• The Disability Annexure Form must be filled out by a certified medical professional, such as a doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of a disability unit. This form verifies the applicant’s disability status, specifies the necessary support, and explains how the applicant would benefit from the assistance provided.

What Are the Needed Supporting Documents For Nsfas Application 2026-2027

Applicants applying for Nsfas for the study season 2026 are to upload the following documents:

General Requirements:

• Certified copy of your ID or smart card (not older than 3 months).
• A signed and completed consent form.

For SASSA Recipients:

• Certified copy of your ID (not older than 3 months).
• A signed and completed consent form.

If Dependent on Parents/Guardian/Spouse:

• Certified ID copies of parent(s), guardian, or spouse (not older than 3 months).
• Proof of income of parent, guardian, or spouse (payslip or appointment letter).

If Financially Independent (No Parental/Guardian Support):

• Proof of income (payslip or appointment letter).
• IRP5 for the past three years.

Also Read: NSFAS Application Form 2026-2027

For Applicants with Disabilities:

• Completed and signed Annexure A form.

For Orphans:

• Completed and signed Declaration Form.

Additional Documents (If Applicable):

• Retrenchment letter or UIF documentation.
• Death certificate(s).
• Divorce decree.

Contact Details Of Nsfas

• Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Physical Address:

• The Halyard Building, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street,
• Cape Town City Centre, 8001,
• South Africa

To apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026-2027 academic year, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and submit essential documents. These include a certified copy of an ID, proof of income, and, in some cases, additional forms such as the Disability Annexure Form for students with disabilities. Visit the official Website of Nsfas For More

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