Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027
Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027
NSFAS Application 2026-2027: Required Documents Checklist:
Fresh and already studying students planning to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026-2027 academic year must know that one of the most important steps in the process is preparing and submitting the correct documents. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) requires all applicants to provide specific supporting documents for their application to be processed successfully. Without the required documentation, especially your South African ID number on each page, your application could be delayed or even rejected.
Applications for NSFAS 2026-2027 officially open on 21 November 2025 and will close on 31 January 2026. This gives students a few months to gather and certify all required documents. It is significant to ensure that all certified copies of your documents are no older than 3 months, and they must be certified by an official at either the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office.
Some of the major documents needed include a certified copy of your South African ID document. If you are under 16 years old and do not yet have an ID, you will need to provide a certified copy of your unabridged birth certificate. Also, students who are under 18, or those still financially dependent on their parents or legal guardians, must follow the same submission rules.
Having all the right documents ready before starting your application will save you time and stress. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the documents required for the NSFAS 2026-2027 application, so you can apply with confidence and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
READ Also: When Will NSFAS Open For 2025
NSFAS Important Dates 2026-2027
NSFAS Application date.
- Application opening date: 21st November 2025
- Application closing date: January 31, 2026
Funding decisions: NSFAS funding decisions are generally announced between January and February, before the start of the academic year.
Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding Application For 2026-2027
The following are them who qualify for NSFAS:
- 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.
What Are The Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027
These documents must be available before starting the NSFAS 2026 application:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document:
- Proof of income for your parents, legal guardian, or spouse (if applicable)
- Certified copy of your parents’ or guardians’ South African ID documents
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s), guardian, or spouse
- Completed NSFAS Application Form
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (if applicable)
- Proof of orphan status (if applicable)
For a full list of the application documents needed to apply for NSFAS, click on the link below:
The Needed Requirements for the NSFAS Application For 2026-2027
Applicants for NSFAS will need the following requirements:
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be applying for or currently studying at a public university or TVET college
- Must be registered (or intend to register) in an approved qualification
Financial Requirements:
Your combined household income must be:
- R350,000 or less per year (general applicants)
- R600,000 or less per year (for applicants living with a disability)
- R122,000 or less per year (for students who began studying before 2018)
- If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you automatically qualify for NSFAS (no need to submit proof of income)
Academic Requirements:
- Must meet the admission and academic progression requirements of the institution
- Must pass a minimum number of modules to continue receiving NSFAS each year (as per NSFAS progression rules)
NSFAS Online Application Steps 2026-2027
Applying for NSFAS funding is a simple, online process. Follow these steps:
- Create a profile:
Open myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
- Apply now:
“Apply’ is the tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
- Complete:
Submit your application
READ ALSO: How Do I Apply For Sassa Pension 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
Applying for NSFAS funding for the 2026-2027 academic year can open doors to higher education, but only if your application is complete and correct. By preparing the right documents, such as your certified ID, proof of household income, and consent forms, you give yourself the best chance of approval. Always ensure that all copies are certified and not older than three months, and remember to write your ID number on every page of your supporting documents. Visit the Official Website Of NSFAS for More Details.