NSFAS Application Documents Requirements 2026

NSFAS Application Documents Requirements 2026, NSFAS supporting documents 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program that supports eligible South African students from low-income households in accessing higher education. To apply for NSFAS 2026 funding, applicants must submit specific documents to verify their eligibility. This article outlines the necessary documents for a successful application.

NSFAS 2026 Application Requirements

To ensure your NSFAS 2026 application is processed, complete all required fields and attach the necessary supporting documents in the correct format. It is essential to write your identification number on each page of your documents. Applications without an ID number will not be processed.

Certified copies must be no older than three months at the time of application. You can have your documents certified at the South African Police Service or the South African Post Office.

What are the Required Documents for NSFAS Online Application 2026?

Applicants must attach below the required supporting documents when submitting their NSFAS 2026 online application forms.

Government-issued identity documents

Any document that proves your citizenship status, such as:

Green bar-coded ID or smart ID card (Applicants, parents, or legal guardian).
Unabridged birth certificate (younger than 16 years of age)

Academic Qualifications

Proof of qualifications

Latest academic transcript or exam results. If you are currently in Grade 12, you do not need to submit this.

Exemption Letter

If you have been exempted from paying school fees, please provide a letter from the school informing NSFAS that you have been exempt.

Income Sources

Provide documents that prove your level of income of R35000 per annum

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.

Financial Sponsors

Provide the list of documents of your financial sponsors

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

Documents Required of Students with Disability

Any student with any form of physical challenge must complete the Annexure A Form and attach the following documents together with the NSFAS online application Form 2026