South Africa NSFAS Bursary Applications For 2026

NSFAS Application Closing Date For 2026

South Africa NSFAS Bursary Applications For 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government program that provides bursaries to financially needy students pursuing approved qualifications at higher education institutions. NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, living and accommodation costs, meals, textbooks, and academic materials, with additional support to help students complete their studies. This guide offers key information on applying and the eligibility criteria for NSFAS bursary funding.

NSFAS 2026 Online Application Portal Open

The NSFAS Online Application Portal for the 2026 academic year is open from September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Students interested in receiving the 2024 NSFAS bursary should register their accounts before the deadline, as applications for undergraduate funding in South Africa will close on January 31, 2026.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2026 Funding

To be eligible for the 2026 NSFAS bursary, you must meet the NSFAS standards and requirements listed below.

An email address and a cell phone number are required.
You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident to apply.
The combined gross household income should not be more than R350 000 per year.
The combined gross household income of disabled people should not exceed R600,000 per year.
SASSA recipients are automatically eligible for financial assistance.

What are the required documents for the NSFAS Bursary for 2026?

Based on the application type, the system will generate a list of required documents for upload, which may include the following:

A copy of student ID / Birth certificate
A Copy of the parent/s or guardian/spouse’s ID
A two-sided Smart card
Proof of income (where applicable)
Disability Annexure A form
completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
An applicant who has indicated that s/he has no family member details and/or abridged birth certificate must complete the Declaration: Non-SASSA

Benefits of NSFAS Bursaries

Students who are approved for NSFAS bursary will have the following expenditures covered throughout their studies at the higher education as long as they meet the academic requirements

Tuition and Registration Fees: NSFAS bursaries cover the full cost of tuition fees and registration of all deserving students pursuing higher education.
Accommodation and Living Allowance: In addition to tuition fees, NSFAS provides allowances for accommodation and living expenditures, supporting students with their day-to-day expenses.
Learning Material Allowance: Bursary recipients also receive a book allowance to purchase required textbooks and study materials.
Transportation Allowance: The NSFAS Bursary provides transportation allowance to students in lieu of housing. The NSFAS bursary provides financial and non-financial assistance to students who are unable to get housing and must move from home to school. All other transportation and fees must be borne by the student.

Read Also: How Much Is NSFAS Money For 2026