NSFAS 2025

When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026

When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026

NSFAS 2026 Application Window Opens on 21 September:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will open its online application window for the 2026–2027 academic year on 21 September 2025. This allows eligible students to apply for bursaries to support their studies at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

NSFAS bursaries are designed to cover key student expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, learning materials, meals, and transport. Both first-time applicants and returning students from families earning R350,000 or less per year can apply. For students living with disabilities, the income limit is R600,000 per year.

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident. You should either be currently studying or planning to study at a public university or a TVET college. It is important to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and have the required documents ready before applying.

When preparing to apply, you will need your South African ID, your parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, and your academic results. Applications must be submitted online through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. Once you’ve applied, you can track the status of your application using your ID number or the reference number provided during the application process. Make sure to apply as early as possible and submit all required information to avoid delays or disqualification.

READ ALSO: When will NSFAS open for 2025

When Are NSFAS Applications Opening For 2026

The Application portal opens on September 21, 2025, and ends on January 31, 2026. Therefore, interested persons must be ready to apply for it since the application portal is currently open and is accepting applications from qualified students for the next academic year.

NSFAS Applications Eligibility For 2025

If you are a citizen of South Africa planning to study or already studying at a public university or any TVET colleges and meet the following criteria, then you are eligible for the NSFAS bursary for the 2025-2026 academic year:

All SASSA grant recipients
Must have an email and cell phone number
Be a citizen of South Africa with a valid ID number
Be a first-time entering university or TVET college student
Household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum
Must meet the academic standard for admission to a university or any TVET college
For persons living with health conditions, household income should not exceed R600,000 per annum

Required Document for NSFAS Application 2025-2026

These are the documents required for your NSFAS application:

Candidates should have a copy of their student ID or Birth certificate
Must have a copy of an ID of the parent/s or guardian/ spouse
Smart card; both sides of the card are required
Provide proof of income(if applicable)
A person living with a disability must have a Disability Annexure A form
If you have no family member details or an abridged birth certificate, you must complete the declaration: Non-SASSA.

Documents Required for NSFAS Online Application 2026-2027

Below are the required documents for the NSFAS online application for 2026:

Students with health conditions must provide:

A completed and signed Annexure A Form

Students recognized as vulnerable children must be provided:

Candidates who are recognized as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker