When Will NSFAS Open For 2026

When Will NSFAS Open For 2026

NSFAS 2026 Opening Date – Start Preparing Now:

From the 21st of September 2025, NSFAS will be opening its online application window for the academic year 2026-2027 for qualified applicants to apply for bursaries to help their tertiary education. NSFAS bursaries cover 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 MORE:  Register For R350 Grant Online

NSFAS Opening Date For 2026

• Applications for NSFAS 2026-2027 are currently open for all qualified applicants who are now applying or currently enrolled in either a TVET College or a University to apply and receive bursaries to help cater for the academic expenses. NSFAS will open from the 21st of September 2025 and close on the 31st of January 2026. Applicants are to take note of the application deadline because applications submitted after the given deadline will not be accepted.

Who Is Eligible For NSFAS After Its Open For Application For 2026

Below are those who are qualified for NSFAS for 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.

Required Documents For NSFAS Applications For 2026

These are the supporting documents when applying for NSFAS

• Applicants must have a copy of their student ID/birth certificate
• A copy of the parent/s or guardian/spouse’s ID
• Proof of income
• Individuals living with a disability must have a Disability Annexure A form
• Applicants who are recognized as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development must have a completed declaration form

What Does NSFAS Cover For Students For 2026-2027

The NSFAS bursary covers the following for 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 institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET COLLEGE STUDENTS:

• Accommodation in an urban area R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

Is NSFAS Open For 2026 Applications

YES, follow the steps below to apply:

• Visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
• Click on the “myNSFAS” tab.
• Register for a myNSFAS account using your email address and phone number.
• Create a secure password and verify your account with the OTP sent to your email and phone.
• Click on “Apply” and follow the prompts to fill in your details.
• Upload all required supporting documents.
• Submit your application and wait for confirmation.

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Virtual Contact Centre

Nsfas is available to assist through the following channels:

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
• USSD:*120*67327#

For general and student enquiries:

• For all other queries regarding students:
• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Physical Address (Head Office):
• The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

The opening date for applications is usually announced by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and applications are submitted online via the myNSFAS portal. Keep an eye out for official announcements so you do not miss your chance to apply. Once the portal opens, eligible students can begin the process to apply for funding for the 2026 academic year. Visit the official website here for more insight.