Who Can Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027
Who Can Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027
NSFAS 2026-2027 Bursary: Who Can Apply and What It Covers:
NSFAS is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible students in South Africa who need support for their higher education. If you are aspiring to study at a public university or TVET college in the 2026-2027 academic year, you may be eligible for NSFAS funding. Nsfas applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be open from the 20th of September 2025 and closing on the 15th of December 2025.
The NSFAS bursary is designed for students from low-income households who cannot afford the cost of tertiary education. To qualify, applicants must be South African citizens or permanent residents. Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year are eligible, while students with disabilities qualify if their household income is R600,000 or less annually.
Both first-time university students and returning students who meet academic requirements can apply. TVET college students must be enrolled in approved courses. Also, students who were funded in previous years but still meet the financial and academic requirements may reapply. Special cases, such as students who started their studies before the introduction of free education policies, may also be considered.
NSFAS covers essential study costs, including tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, and living allowances. If you meet the requirements, applying for NSFAS can ease your financial burden and allow you to focus on your education. Ensure you check the latest updates and submit your application before the deadline to secure your funding for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Read: When Is NSFAS Application 2026-2027
Who Can Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027
The information provided below is for 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 Cannot Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027
The list provided below will show you who is not qualified for the 2026-2027 Nsfas applications:
- 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.
When Can You Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027
- The online applications for Nsfas 2026-2027 will be open from the 20th of September 2025 and closing on the 15th of December 2025
Nsfas Late Applications For 2026-2027
- The late application window for the study season 2026 will 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.
The Requirements Needed To Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027
Applicants applying for Nsfas for the academic year 2026 will have the following requirements:
- NSFAS collects personal information from relevant agencies to verify the employment status and income level of the applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.
- The NSFAS Declaration Form must be completed by the school principal or a social worker for non-SASSA applicants.
- The Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, required for applicants under 18, 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. SASSA recipients are not required to submit this form (for non-SASSA applicants only).
- Applicants who have indicated a legal guardian must provide a court-issued proof of guardianship.
- If guardianship is not court-appointed, the applicant must submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.
- The Disability Annexure Form must be completed by a certified medical professional, such as a registered doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or the head of a disability unit. This form confirms the applicant’s disability status, outlines the required support, and explains how the student would benefit from the assistance provided.
Supporting Documents Needed To Apply For Nsfas For 2026-2027
Applicants applying for Nsfas must have the following documents uploaded together with their application forms:
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.
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.
Also Read: NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027
Apply For Nsfas 2026-2027
The guide below will lead you to apply successfully for Nsfas:
- Go to the official Website of Nsfas @www.nsfas.org.za
- Click on the myNsfas tab to create an account
- Log in to your account if you already have one
- Click on the Apply tab
- Complete the section that appears on the screen by providing every required information
- Upload the required documents
- Review carefully
- Click on the Submit tab
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
The NSFAS bursary for 2026-2027 provides essential financial assistance to eligible students who wish to study at public universities or TVET colleges in South Africa. To apply, students must be South African citizens or permanent residents from households earning R350,000 or less per year, or R600,000 for students with disabilities. First-time university students, returning students who meet academic performance requirements, and TVET college students in approved programs may qualify. Visit the Official website Of Nsfas For More Details.
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