When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026
When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026
NSFAS 2026 Application Window Opens on 21 September:
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will open its online application window for the 2026–2027 academic year on 21 September 2025. This allows eligible students to apply for bursaries to support their studies at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
NSFAS bursaries are designed to cover key student expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, learning materials, meals, and transport. Both first-time applicants and returning students from families earning R350,000 or less per year can apply. For students living with disabilities, the income limit is R600,000 per year.
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident. You should either be currently studying or planning to study at a public university or a TVET college. It is important to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and have the required documents ready before applying.
When preparing to apply, you will need your South African ID, your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, and your academic results. Applications must be submitted online through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. Once you’ve applied, you can track the status of your application using your ID number or the reference number provided during the application process. Make sure to apply as early as possible and submit all required information to avoid delays or disqualification.
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When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026
- The Application portal opens on September 21, 2025, and ends on January 31, 2026. Therefore, interested persons must be ready to apply for it since the application portal is currently open and is accepting applications from qualified students for the next academic year.
NSFAS Applications Eligibility For 2025
If you are a citizen of South Africa planning to study or already studying at a public university or any TVET colleges and meet the following criteria, then you are eligible for the NSFAS bursary for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- All SASSA grant recipients
- Must have an email and cell phone number
- Be a citizen of South Africa 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 standard for admission to a university or any TVET college
- For persons living with health conditions, household income should not exceed R600,000 per annum
Required Document for NSFAS Application 2025-2026
These are the documents required for your NSFAS application:
- Candidates should have a copy of their student ID or Birth certificate
- Must have a copy of an ID of the parent/s or guardian/ spouse
- Smart card; both sides of the card are required
- Provide proof of income(if applicable)
- A person living with a disability must have a Disability Annexure A form
- If you have no family member details or an abridged birth certificate, you must complete the declaration: Non-SASSA.
Documents Required for NSFAS Online Application 2026-2027
Below are the required documents for the NSFAS online application for 2026:
Students with health conditions must provide:
- A completed and signed Annexure A Form
Students recognized as vulnerable children must be provided:
- Candidates who are recognized as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
Other Documents include:
- Retrenchment letter
- Death certificate/s
- Divorce Decree
- Proof of legal guardianship
- Marriage certificate
- Other documents may be required for appeal purposes
Online Application for NSFAS 2026-2027
To apply, kindly follow the process below:
- Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Click on the “myNSFAS” tab.
- Register for a myNSFAS account using your email address and phone number.
- Create a secure password and verify your account with the OTP sent to your email and phone.
- Click on “Apply” and follow the prompts to fill in your details.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application and wait for confirmation.
Contact Details Of NSFAS
NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre
Nsfas is available to assist through the following channels:
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Instagram: @myNSFAS
- WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
- USSD:*120*67327#
For general and student enquiries:
- For all other queries regarding students:
- Tel No.: 08000 67327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Physical Address (Head Office):
- The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college in 2026 and need financial assistance, mark 21 September 2025 on your calendar. That is when NSFAS will open its online application portal for the 2026–2027 academic year. Make sure you meet the requirements, gather all necessary documents, and apply as early as possible through the official NSFAS website. Visit the Official Website Of NSFAS for More.