Who Is Eligible For 2026 NSFAS Funding

As the 2026 academic year approaches, understanding the eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding is essential. This guide will help you determine if you qualify for NSFAS 2026 funding. The NSFAS online application will be open from September 28, 2025, to January 31, 2026.

The 2026 NSFAS application portal will be open to all students enrolled in accredited public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges in South Africa for the 2026 academic year. Make sure you meet these eligibility criteria before applying for NSFAS funding

Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2026 Funding

We have provided detailed NSFAS eligibility criteria that determine whether an applicant qualifies to apply for NSFAS 2026 funding.

Citizenship Status:

• To qualify for 2026 NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency status. Proper documentation must be provided to verify your citizenship or residency. International applicants are not eligible for NSFAS funding.

Income Status

• Prospective applicants with a combined household income of less than R350,000 per year are eligible to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year. NSFAS prioritizes supporting students from low-income households, with financial need being a key criterion. The scheme evaluates factors like household income, dependents, and other financial aspects to determine eligibility.

Enrollment in approved institutions:

• NSFAS funding is available for students attending accredited public universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges in South Africa. It is important to verify that your chosen institution is recognized by NSFAS before applying for funding.

Age Limitations:

• NSFAS funding is typically available to first-time, full-time undergraduate students. While there is no strict age limit for undergraduate applicants, postgraduate students are not eligible for NSFAS funding.

SASSA Grant Recipient

• All SASSA grant recipients are eligible to apply for NSFAS funding. Receiving a social grant, even if family members contribute to household income, does not disqualify an applicant as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.

  Physically Challenged   

• A disabled individual whose combined household income does not exceed R600,000 per year and has been given admission to study in an approved Tvet College or university

Contact Details

• Prospective NSFAS applicants for 2026 must have a valid email address and a cell phone number. Without a personal cell phone device and a valid SIM card, you are not eligible to apply for NSFAS funding.

Read Also: NSFAS Announces 2026 Application Date

NSFAS Application Documents Required

Aside from accomplishing the aforementioned requirements for qualification, you must also have and meet the relevant documents. These documents must be submitted with your NSFAS application form for 2026.

• Green bar-coded ID or smart ID card
• Unabridged birth certificate
• Latest academic transcript or exam results
• Certified or official copy of recent payslip, letter of employment
• Income received from SASSA grants
• Official pension slip or bank statement
• A Signed affidavit confirming employment
• Death Certificate
• Divorce decree
• Any student with any form of physical challenge must complete the Annexure A Forms.

How to Apply

To apply for NSFAS 2026 online form, follow the steps below

• Visit the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za to complete NSFAS 2026 application form
  
• Select and click on the’myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account. Go HERE if you don’t know how to create the account.
• Choose the ‘APPLY’ tab.
• Make any necessary changes to your personal information.
• Complete the rest of the required fields on the screen.
• Upload any supporting documents that are required as aforementioned.
• Finally, you click the “submit” button.

NSFAS contact details

• Telephone: 0800 023 456
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, 7801

For more details, visit the official website of NSFAS

Related Posts

• Are NSFAS Applications Open For 2026?
• NSFAS Application Documents Requirements 2026
• How To Activate NSFAS Wallet For 2026

The post Who Is Eligible For 2026 NSFAS Funding appeared first on Apply Online Admission 2026.

How To Activate NSFAS Wallet For 2026, 

If you’ve been approved for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic year, activating your NSFAS Wallet is crucial to accessing your allowances for educational expenses. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate your NSFAS Wallet

What You Need to Access Your NSFAS Wallet

Before you start, make sure you have the following:

• Your own cell phone and valid phone number
• Proof of South African citizenship
• Your NSFAS Bursary Agreement signed (if you’re a new student)
• Be a SASSA grant recipient or have a household income of up to R350,000 per year
• Enrollment at a registered NSFAS university or TVET college
• No age limit applies

See Also: How Much Is NSFAS Money For 2026

Steps to Create and Activate Your NSFAS Wallet for 2026

Wait for NSFAS Confirmation:

• Once your NSFAS application is approved, you will receive a “Welcome” SMS from NSFAS to notify you.

Verify Your Account:

• Dial 120176# on your mobile phone.
• Enter your ID number to validate your account.

Receive Your Password:

• You will be sent a password via SMS, which will be used for your NSFAS Wallet transactions.

Start using your wallet:

• You can now use your wallet

Why You Must Create and Activate Your NSFAS WALLET

You will benefit from the setting up and activation of an NSFAS wallet in the following ways:

• The NSFAS Wallet enables the direct disbursement of funds to students, eliminating the need for physical cash or checks.
  
• The NSFAS Wallet lets students view their balance, track transactions, and make payments. It can be accessed via smartphones. Students can use it to pay for approved educational expenses at approved merchants.

NSFAS contact details

• Telephone: 0800 023 456
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, 7801

For more details, visit the official website of NSFAS

Related Posts

• NSFAS Allowance For 2026
• NSFAS Application Online 2026

The post How To Activate NSFAS Wallet For 2026 appeared first on Apply Online Admission 2026.