NSFAS Application 2026 Opening Date

NSFAS Application 2026 Opening Date

When Will NSFAS Applications Open for the 2026 Academic Year?

From the 21st of September 2025, the NSFAS applications portal will be open for qualified applicants to apply for bursaries to help their tertiary education. The NSFAS covers accommodation, tuition, transportation, books, and meals for students. Both fresh and already studying students of public universities and TVET colleges who come from a family with an annual income of R350,000 are qualified to apply.

Nsfas applicants are to make sure they meet all the requirements as needed by Nsfas and provide all the needed documents as proposed by Nsfas to be eligible for the bursary. To apply for NSFAS funding, you will need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, having a combined household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum (R600,000 for students with disabilities), and being enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or TVET college.

The NSFAS funding covers various expenses associated with your studies, such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, study materials, meals, and travel expenses. Allowances for TVET college students transitioning to university may also be available.

If you are planning to apply, ensure you gather the required documents, including your South African ID, parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, and academic results. You can apply online through the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and track your application status using your ID number or reference number

READ ALSO: How To Apply For NSFAS Online For 2025

NSFAS Application 2026 Opening Date

• NSFAS will be opening its windows will be open for the 2026-2027 academic year from the 28th of September 2025 and will be closing on the 31st of January 2026.

Eligibility Criteria For The NSFAS Application 2026-2027

Citizens of South Africa who intend to enroll in school or are currently in school at a public university or TVET college, and if you match the following eligibility criteria, then you are eligible for the bursary.

• SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility
• A combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Individuals with disability with a combined household income of not more than R600,000 per annum
• Must have an email and cell phone number

Required Documents To Provide When Applying For NSFAS 2026

All NSFAS applicants are required to remit supporting documents or papers. The following documents should contain:

Students with disabilities must provide:

• A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form

Students recognized as vulnerable children must be provided:

• A candidate who is recognized as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker

Other Required Documents, if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate/s
• Divorce Decree
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate
• Other documents may be required for appeal purposes, retrenchment letter

How To Apply For NSFAS For 2026-2027

The following are the steps to follow in applying for NSFAS:

Visit the NSFAS Website:

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on “myNSFAS”.

Create a myNSFAS Account:

• If you do not have one, register using your ID number, email, and cellphone number.

Log In to Your myNSFAS Account:

• Use your ID number and password to access your dashboard.

Click on ‘Apply’:

• Start a new application for the academic year 2026.

Fill in Your Personal and Academic Details:

• Provide your contact info, institution details, and course information.

Upload Required Supporting Documents:

Documents may include:

• Certified copy of your ID
• Proof of income or affidavit
• Consent form
• Academic records
• Disability form (if applicable)

Submit Your Application:

• Review all details, then click submit. You’ll get a reference number.

ALSO READ: How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation?

NSFAS Contact

All other queries regarding students

• Tel No: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address
• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

Knowing the NSFAS application opening date for 2026 is the first step in securing financial aid for your studies. Once the application period opens, it is important to apply as early as possible to avoid delays or missing out on funding. Keep an eye on the official NSFAS website and your myNSFAS portal for announcements and updates. Kindly visit the official website here.