NSFAS 2025

Do Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2026

Do Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2026

Who Needs to Reapply for NSFAS in 2026? A Guide for Returning Students:

Returning students planning to further their studies at a public university or TVET college in South Africa are likely eligible to apply for NSFAS funding. As a returning student, you might be concerned about meeting the eligibility criteria, but rest assured that NSFAS considers various factors beyond just academic performance.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to students who demonstrate financial need and meet the required academic standards. If you are a South African citizen or permanent resident with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per annum, you might qualify for funding. Returning students who have previously received NSFAS funding can reapply for subsequent years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

To increase your chances of getting NSFAS funding, it is essential to understand the application process and requirements. You will need to ensure that your academic records are up to date, and you have registered or plan to register at a public university or TVET college. Also, NSFAS considers factors such as disability, orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) status, and foster care when assessing eligibility.

If you are a returning student looking to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year, now is the time to start preparing. Make sure you gather all the necessary documents, including your ID, proof of income, and academic records. With careful planning and a thorough understanding of the application process, you can secure the funding you need to achieve your academic goals.

Important NSFAS Dates 2026:

NSFAS application for 2026-2027 opens on September 28, 2025, and closes on January 31, 2026.
Note that the exact dates for 2026 applications might be confirmed later, so keep an eye on the NSFAS website

Can Returning Students Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

Returning students can apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year, but the application process varies depending on individual circumstances. Below is what you need to know:

Eligibility Criteria:

South African citizenship or permanent residency
Combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum (R600,000 for students with disabilities)
Enrollment or plans to enroll at a public university or TVET college

Returning Student Scenarios:

Continuing Studies:

If you have previously received NSFAS funding and are continuing your studies, your funding will be automatically renewed annually as long as you meet academic requirements and demonstrate financial need.

Gap Year or Paused Studies:

If you took a gap year or paused your studies, you will need to reapply for NSFAS funding when you return to your studies.

Change of Institution:

If you are changing institutions, you should reapply for NSFAS funding, as the scheme needs to reassess your eligibility based on the new institution’s fees.

Application Process:

Create a myNSFAS profile and apply online through the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za)
Submit required documents, including proof of income, academic records, and ID
Track your application status through the myNSFAS portal

Requirements For Returning Students to Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027

To apply for NSFAS funding as a returning student for the 2026 academic year, you will need to meet the following requirements:

Citizenship: Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need, with a combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
Enrollment: Be enrolled or plan to enroll at a public university or TVET college.
Academic Progress: Maintain satisfactory academic progress, passing at least 50% of your modules each year.

Required Documents:

Identity Document: South African ID or birth certificate
Academic Records: Latest academic results or matric certificate
Proof of Income: Payslips, SASSA grant letter, or other proof of income
Disability Documents: Disability Annexure Form, completed by a certified medical doctor (if applicable)
Vulnerable Child Documents: Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, completed by a social worker (if applicable)

Additional Requirements:

Email and Cell Phone Number: Have a valid email address and cell phone number
SASSA Recipients: Automatically qualify for financial eligibility if receiving a SASSA grant
Returning Student Status: If you have previously received NSFAS funding, you will need to reapply if you took a gap year or changed institutions

Remember to check the NSFAS website for the most up-to-date information on requirements and application deadlines

What Does NSFAS Cover For Returning Students In 2026-2027

Below are the things NSFAS covers for returning students:

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:

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 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

How To Apply For NSFAS As A Returning Student In 2026-2027

To apply for NSFAS as a returning student, follow these steps:

Check Eligibility:

Ensure you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria, including citizenship, financial need, and academic progress.

Gather Documents:

Identity Document (ID or birth certificate)
Academic Records (latest results or matric certificate)
Proof of Income (payslips, SASSA grant letter, or other proof)
Disability Documents (if applicable)

Create a myNSFAS Profile:

Go to the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and create a profile.
Provide required information, including your ID number and contact details.

Apply Online:

Log in to your myNSFAS profile and submit your application.
Ensure you provide accurate information and upload the required documents.

Track Your Application:

Monitor your application status through the myNSFAS portal.
Respond to any NSFAS queries or requests for additional information.

Receive Funding Decision:

NSFAS will notify you of the funding decision via email or SMS.
If approved, funding will be paid directly to your university or TVET college.

When Are NSFAS Payment Dates 2026

The exact dates on which approved funds are disbursed to NSFAS beneficiaries. Include the following.

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date:

Cycle 1 – All Campuses 26 February 2026
Cycle 2 – All Campuses 06 March 2026
Cycle 3 – All Campuses 22 April 2026
Cycle 4 – All Campuses 20 May 2026
Cycle 5 – All Campuses Monday 17 June 2026

Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

Cycle 6 – Medical School 01 July 2026
Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses 08 July 2026
Cycle 7 – All Campuses 05 August 2026
Cycle 8 – All Campuses 02 September 2026
Cycle 9 – All Campuses 07 October 2026
Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2026) 04 November 2026

How To Maintain Your NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

Here are some key things to keep in mind if you wish to stay on the scheme

Academic Progress: NSFAS requires students to pass at least 50% of their modules each year. Failure to meet this requirement could result in the loss of your NSFAS funding.
Update Your Information: If there are significant changes in your academic or personal circumstances, you should update this information on the myNSFAS portal.
Check Your Status: Regularly log into your myNSFAS account to check your status and make sure everything is in order. Exceptions to the Rule For NSFAS 2025-2026
There are certain situations where a returning student might need to reapply for NSFAS. These include:
Gap Year: If you took a gap year or paused your studies, you will need to reapply when you return to your studies.
Change of Institution: If you are changing institutions, you should reapply, as NSFAS needs to re-evaluate your funding based on the fees of your new institution.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Appeal For 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
South African students: 0860 067 327
International students: +27 21 763 3232
Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

Not all returning students need to reapply for NSFAS in 2026. If you were funded in 2025 and your studies continue without interruption, plus you meet the academic progress requirements, your funding will usually continue automatically. For more details, visit the official website. I hope the provided information is helpful.