How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

How South African Students Can Apply for NSFAS in 2026:

The application for NSFAS for the 2026–2027 academic year will officially open on 21 November 2025 and close on 31 January 2026. If you are currently enrolled in a public university or TVET college in South Africa and meet the requirements, you can apply through the myNSFAS portal. It is important to note that applications are only accepted online, and all forms must be submitted before the deadline.

To be qualified for NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen who is either currently registered or planning to register at a public university or TVET college. You must also come from a household with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less. NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid scheme under the Department of Higher Education and Training, designed to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in accessing higher education.

The financial aid provided by NSFAS covers essential study-related costs, including accommodation, transport, living allowances, and learning materials. These amounts are aligned with the latest guidelines set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). To apply, visit the official NSFAS website, log in or create your myNSFAS account, complete the application form, upload the required supporting documents, and submit your application before the closing date.

READ ALSO: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance For 2025 Per Month

Date To Apply For NSFAS For 2026-2027

• Nsfas will be open for 2026 from the 21st of November 2025, and the application will close on the 31st of January 2026.

Who Is Eligible To Apply For NSFAS For 2026-2027

Below are those that qualify for NSFAS for 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
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Documents Needed When Applying For NSFAS for 2026-2027

Below are the documents needed when applying for financial aid from NSFAS:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified ID copies of parents, guardians, or spouse
• Proof of income (latest payslips, pension slips, or affidavit if unemployed)
• Disability Annexure A form (if applicable)
• Consent form signed by all household members whose income is declared
• Academic records or proof of registration (if currently enrolled)

What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover in 2026/2027

Expect to receive the following if you are on the NSFAS Scheme:

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

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

To start a new NSFAS application process, follow the steps below:

• Visit the NSFAS Application portal at www.nsfas.org.za,
• Locate the top right menu of the NSFAS homepage, click on the “myNSFAS” tab
• Then, create a “myNSFAS Account” to continue the application
• After completing all blank pages, click on the “APPLY” tab
• Upload all the requested scanned copies of your supporting documents
• Click on “Submit” to forward your applications to NSFAS online for evaluation

How To Reset myNSFAS Login Details?

Follow the steps below to reset your myNSFAS login details:

• Go to: www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on ‘myNSFAS’
• Click on ‘forgot password’
• Type in your ID number
• Choose what you require help with: password, username, or both
• Then click on ‘ submit’.
• The username and the link to change your password will be sent via SMS and email
• Open the link, and you will be redirected to the reset password page.
• Reset your password by following the prompts on your