When Are Applications Opening For NSFAS 2026

When Are Applications Opening For NSFAS 2026

Everything You Need to Know About the NSFAS 2026 Opening Date:

From the 21st of November 2025, NSFAS will be opening its online application portal for all fresh, returning, and already studying students at the public universities and TVET colleges to apply for financial support through the National Students Financial Aid Scheme for the academic year 2026-2027.

Applicants are to go to the official website of NSFAS, proceed to the myNSFAS portal to have access to the application forms, fill them out by providing all the required documents and requirements, and submit them before the application deadline. Applicants are to bear in mind that only South African citizen who comes from a family with an annual income of less than R350,000 can apply.

Every year, Nsfas receives a lot of applications, which sometimes makes processing very difficult, which is why it is very important to apply as early as possible. The amounts given by Nsfas are indicated for the payments of accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

NSFAS reserves the right to validate all information and details provided by the applicant and parent/guardian/spouse against an independent third-party data source. Join the first flight by submitting your applications for NSFAS for 2026 to receive the funds.

When Are Applications Opening For NSFAS 2026

• The NSFAS Online Application 2026-2027 Academic Intake will start on 21 November 2025.

NSFAS Application Deadline For 2026-2027

• The application portal for the academic year 2026-2027 will close on the 31st of January 2026.

READ ALSO: Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

Who Is Eligible To Apply For NSFAS For 2026-2027

If you are among the following persons, then you qualify for NSFAS 2026:

• 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.

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)

Documents Needed To Apply For NSFAS For 2026-2027

You will need to submit the following documents when applying for NSFAS:

• 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)

Online Application Steps To Apply for NSFAS 2026-2027

To submit the NSFAS Application online, follow the steps outlined 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

READ ALSO: Which Bank Does NSFAS Use in 2025

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 when NSFAS applications open for 2026 is the first step to securing your funding for the academic year. The application window officially opens on 21 November 2025 and will close on 31 January 2026. It is crucial to prepare early by gathering all the necessary documents and ensuring they are properly certified. Missing the deadline or submitting an incomplete application could cost you the opportunity to study with financial support. Visit the Official Website Of NSFAS for More.