Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

NSFAS Opening Date For 2026 Applications

Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026

Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026, Is NSFAS open for First Semester 2025, NSFAS opening date for 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to South African students pursuing higher education. While the specific dates for 2026 applications are not confirmed, past trends indicate that applications usually open from September to January. It is anticipated that the 2026 period may open between September 28, 2025, and January 31, 2026. Final dates will be updated as soon as they are confirmed

NSFAS Application Requirements and Eligibility

Before the NSFAS applications for 2026 open, prospective students should familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria and application requirements. To qualify for NSFAS financial assistance, applicants must meet specific conditions, which may include:

South African citizenship or permanent residency.
Enrollment or acceptance into a public university or TVET college.
All SASSA grant recipients are eligible for funding.
Applicants with a combined household income of less than R350 000 per year
A disabled individual: The combined household income cannot exceed R600,000 per year.
Students who began their studies prior to 2018 and whose household income is less than R122 000 per year.

PLEASE NOTE

To apply for an NSFAS bursary in 2026, there is NO AGE LIMIT. If you meet the above qualifications, you can qualify at any age.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Application Online 2024

Preparing for the NSFAS Application 2026:

To streamline the application process once it opens, it is recommended that you gather the necessary documentation beforehand. While the exact requirements may vary, commonly, NSFAS supporting documents include:

Green bar-coded ID or smart ID card (Applicants, parents, or legal guardian).
Unabridged birth certificate (younger than 16 years of age)
Latest academic transcript or exam results. If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this.
If you have been exempted from paying school fees, please provide a letter from the school informing NSFAS that you have been exempt
Certified or official copy of recent payslip, letter of employment, not older than three months, for each parent, or the person who supports you, or your guardian, or yourself if you are employed.
Income received from SASSA grants, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), or any retirement, life, disability, or other benefits paid as a lump sum or in monthly payments.
Official pension slip or bank statement showing pension payment (parents or the person who supports you or your legal guardian are retired)
A Signed affidavit confirming employment (parents or the person who supports you or your legal guardian works as an informal trader)
Death Certificate (If either of your parents is deceased)
Divorce decree (your parents are divorced)
A signed affidavit explaining the separation (If either of your parents does not live at home or If you are supported by someone who is not your parent or legal guardian)
SASSA letter (Your family members are receiving a social grant and are also contributing to your household income.).
Proof of registration or acceptance at the TVET college or university for each dependent
Any student with any form of physical challenge must complete the Annexure A Form