When Can I Apply For NSFAS 2026

NSFAS offers financial assistance to students pursuing undergraduate studies at universities and technical colleges. Open now to all applicants except postgraduate students, the NSFAS invites eligible candidates to apply for the 2026 academic year. Those who meet the requirements will be considered for bursaries

NSFAS Application Date for 2026

New applications for NSFAS funding 2026 will be accepted from September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. Prospective applicants should prepare all necessary documents and submit their applications as soon as possible. Early submissions improve the chances of securing funding, as many students miss out due to late applications

Essential Documents for NSFAS Application

All applicants must submit the required documents as part of the NSFAS application process. Submissions with forged or invalid documents will be deemed ineligible for funding. Ensure all documents are properly formatted and certified before submission to avoid disqualification

Copy of your ID or birth certificate
ID copies of parents, guardians or spouses of an Applicant
An Applicant must provide proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable)
Applicant’s parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income
If an applicant is a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
An applicant with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form; the form is accessible online.
An applicant who is recognized as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

NSFAS Eligibility Exclusions for 2026

While the NSFAS program aims to support students needing financial assistance for the 2026 academic year, some students are not eligible to apply. The following are excluded:

Students who have already completed a qualification.
Students with a combined household income over R350,000 per year.
Students who have previously applied, qualified, and received funding are funded automatically if they meet academic requirements.
International students (non-South African citizens).

Read Also: NSFAS Monthly Allowance For 2026

NSFAS Benefits and Coverage for 2026

The benefits are shown below based on your qualification.

Benefits derived as 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 the 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

Benefits derived as 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 the institution): R7,350 per annum
Transport: R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance: R2900 per annum

Read Also: Unisa Status Check 2026

How to Apply For NSFAS

step 1: Login Information

Get access to the internet
Enter www.nsfas.org.za and locate the myNSFAS button
Click on this tab to open the application page for you to begin

Step 2: myNSFAS Account

Applicants are to create a myNSFAS account before applying for funding. Follow these steps to create your account

Log onto www.nsfas.org.za and click on the myNSFAS tab.
Click on register. Tick on the acceptance option to allow NSFAS to verify and validate the information you provided.
Type in your ID number as it appears on your ID document.
Type in your name and surname as they appear on your ID document.
Type in your email address and cellphone number. Your username will be your email address.
Create a password and confirm your password.
Upload a copy of your ID.
Click on register.
After clicking register, a One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided.
Check your cell phone and email for the OTP.
Type in the OTP in the tab provided and click submit.
You will then receive another SMS and email confirming that your myNSFAS account has been created. You may now continue with your application.

Step 3: Apply Now

Complete the sections on the screen by clicking on the Apply Tab

Step 4: Required Documents and submit an application

Upload required supporting documents where applicable and click on ‘Submit.’

NSFAS Eligibility Requirements for TVET Colleges and Universities

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet specific academic criteria:

For funding to attend a TVET college, applicants must have completed Grades 9 through 12.
For university or TVET college funding, applicants must have completed Grade 12.
Applicants must meet the academic admission standards of the respective university or TVET college before receiving any NSFAS funding, even if their application is approved.

NSFAS Contact Information

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS

For more information, Visit the official website Here

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