NSFAS Application for 2026

Detailed guide on NSFAS Application 2026 – Opportunity for students to apply for Funding to Study at a Public University or TVET College in South Africa

Are you a South African student dreaming of studying at a public university or TVET college in 2026 but worried about the cost? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is here to help. The NSFAS Application for 2026 gives eligible students the chance to receive fully funded financial support for tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and learning materials to ensure that financial barriers don’t stop you from achieving your academic goals.

Administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), NSFAS provides funding to students from low- and middle-income households who wish to pursue their first undergraduate qualification. Whether you plan to study at a university or a TVET college, applying for NSFAS 2026 could be the key to unlocking your future career.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the NSFAS 2026 application process including eligibility requirements, required documents, how to apply online through the myNSFAS portal, and important deadlines.

Stay tuned to discover the latest NSFAS 2026 updates, application tips, and answers to common questions like “When does NSFAS 2026 open?” and “What documents are needed for NSFAS?”. So you can apply with confidence and secure your funding.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers life-changing bursaries to help students from low-income families access tertiary education. This guide provides everything you need to know about the NSFAS Bursary for 2026, including who qualifies, what the bursary covers, and how to apply successfully.

About NSFAS Bursary Programme 2026

The NSFAS bursary is a government-funded financial aid program designed to support South African citizens and permanent residents who cannot afford tertiary education. To qualify, your combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per year. For persons with disabilities, the income limit increases to R600,000 per year.

This initiative ensures that financial barriers do not prevent deserving students from pursuing their academic dreams at public universities and TVET colleges across South Africa.

What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?

The NSFAS bursary provides comprehensive financial support to cover the essential costs of studying. Depending on your institution and program, NSFAS funding includes:

Registration Fees: Covers the full registration cost at your chosen public university or TVET college.
Tuition Fees and Learning Materials: Ensures your academic expenses are fully paid, including study materials.
Living Allowance: Helps cover daily living expenses.
Personal Care Allowance: Provides support for personal hygiene and care items.
Transport or Accommodation: Depending on your location, you will receive either accommodation funding (for students living far from campus) or a transport allowance (for students commuting).

Note: Living, personal, and transport allowances are not available under the NSFAS scheme.

Eligibity Criteria for NSFAS 2026 Application

To qualify for NSFAS funding, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Click to read more about NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Application

Citizenship and Residency Requiremets

South African Citizens: Must possess a valid South African ID or birth certificate.
Permanent Residents: Also eligible for funding, subject to verification.

Financial Eligibility

Bursary Applicants: Combined household income must not exceed R350,000 per annum.
Loan Applicants: For those whose household income ranges between R350,001 and R600,000 per annum.
Persons with Disabilities: Income threshold capped at R600,000 per annum.
SASSA Recipients: Automatically qualify financially for the NSFAS bursary.

Academic and Institutional Criteria

Must be enrolled in a public university or TVET college.
The qualification must be an undergraduate or NSFAS-approved course.
Must meet academic performance and progression requirements as determined by NSFAS and the institution.

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026

Applying for NSFAS is simple and can be completed entirely online. Here’s how:

Visit the official NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Create a myNSFAS profile: Register with your personal details and valid email address.
Complete your online application: Fill in all required information accurately.
Submit your application: Review your details and upload all necessary supporting documents before submitting.

Required Supporting Documents for NSFAS 2026 Application

Applicants must upload the following documents during the application process:

NSFAS Consent Form: Allows NSFAS to verify your income details using third-party data sources.
NSFAS Declaration Form: Required for applicants aged 34 years or younger to confirm parent or guardian information.
Disability Annexure Form: For students with disabilities, this must be submitted along with a medical report.
Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: Required for applicants under 18 years who are orphans or vulnerable children.

If NSFAS requests additional documents, simply log in to your myNSFAS account and upload them under the “Supporting Documents” section.

Closing Date for NSFAS 2026 Application

Application Deadline: Applications for NSFAS bursaries and loans will close on “15 November 2025”

Contact Details of NSFAS

If you encounter any challenges during the application process, you can reach NSFAS directly for assistance:

Toll-Free: 08000 67327

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Questions and Answers on NSFAS 2026 Application

1. When will NSFAS 2026 applications open and close?

NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year are open and will close on 15 November 2025. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute delays or system congestion.

2. Who is eligible to apply for NSFAS in 2026?

You are eligible to apply if you:

Are a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Plan to study at a public university or TVET college.
Come from a household with an income that meets NSFAS financial criteria.
Do not already hold a prior undergraduate qualification.

3. What are the household income thresholds for NSFAS funding?

Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year qualify for the NSFAS bursary.
Students with disabilities qualify if their household income is R600,000 or less per year.
Students from households earning between R350,001 and R600,000 may apply for the NSFAS student loan option.

4. Which documents are required for the NSFAS 2026 application?

You will need the following certified documents:

Your South African ID or birth certificate.
IDs of parents, guardians, or spouse (if applicable).
Proof of income such as payslips, SASSA documentation, or an affidavit.
Proof of residence.
Latest academic results (Grade 12 or tertiary transcript).
A signed NSFAS Consent Form.

5. How do I create a myNSFAS account in 2026?

Visit the NSFAS website and select “myNSFAS / Create Account.”
Enter your ID number, full name, email address, and cellphone number.
Create a strong password for your profile.
Verify your account through the code sent via email or SMS.

6. What should I do if I forget or need to reset my myNSFAS password?

If you forget your password:

Click on “Forgot Password” on the login page.
Enter your ID number and choose your preferred reset method (email or SMS).
Follow the link sent to you to create a new password.

7. Can current NSFAS-funded students reapply automatically?

Current NSFAS beneficiaries do not need to submit a new application if they continue to meet the academic and financial eligibility requirements. Their funding is automatically reviewed each year. However, students who lost funding or changed qualifications may need to reapply.

8. How do I check my NSFAS application status?

Log in to your myNSFAS account.
Select “Track Funding Progress” or “Track Application Status.”
Review the message displayed for your current application stage.

9. What do the different NSFAS status labels mean?

Application Submitted/In Progress: Your application has been received.
Documents Missing: Additional information or uploads are needed.
Under Review: NSFAS is verifying your information.
Provisionally Funded: You have been conditionally approved for funding.
Rejected: Your application was unsuccessful; an appeal option may be available.
Cancelled: The application was withdrawn or canceled.

10. Does NSFAS funding cover registration, tuition, accommodation, and allowances?

Yes. NSFAS covers:

Registration and tuition fees in full.
Learning materials (books and study equipment).
Accommodation or transport allowances, depending on your situation.
Living, personal care, and meal allowances.

11. Can postgraduate students apply for NSFAS in 2026?

NSFAS mainly funds undergraduate qualifications. However, some postgraduate courses such as PGCE and BEd Honours may qualify under specific conditions.

12. Are students at private institutions eligible for NSFAS?

No. NSFAS only funds students studying at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

13. What happens if my household income changes after I submit the application?

If your household income changes, you must update NSFAS immediately. They will reassess your financial eligibility based on the new information provided.

14. Can I update or correct my application after submission?

Yes. You can log in to your myNSFAS account before the closing date to update personal details or upload missing documents. NSFAS will also notify you if corrections are required.

15. What happens if I miss the NSFAS application deadline?

Late applications are not accepted. You will need to wait for the next application cycle. It’s best to apply as soon as applications open to avoid missing deadlines.

16. How long does it take for NSFAS to approve or reject applications?

The review and verification process usually takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the number of applications. Applicants are advised to check their myNSFAS status regularly for updates.

The NSFAS Bursary 2026 offers a gateway to higher education for thousands of South Africans. By providing full financial coverage, NSFAS ensures that financial limitations do not stand in the way of academic success. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t wait.