Education in South Africa can be expensive, especially for students from low-income households. To make higher education more accessible, the South African government established the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) — a financial aid program that supports students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
If you’re planning to start or continue your studies in 2026, this guide will show you exactly how to apply for NSFAS 2026, the requirements, documents needed, and important dates to remember.
What Is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded program under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Its main purpose is to help financially disadvantaged South African students gain access to higher education without worrying about tuition and accommodation costs.
NSFAS provides bursaries, not loans — which means students who qualify do not have to repay the funds after graduation.
What NSFAS Covers in 2026
If your application is approved, NSFAS will pay for the following expenses:
Tuition Fees: Full coverage for registration and tuition costs.
Accommodation: On-campus or accredited off-campus housing.
Transport Allowance: For students living within 40km of their institution.
Living Allowance: Monthly funds for food and personal expenses.
Book and Study Materials Allowance: To cover the cost of textbooks and supplies.
This support ensures that you can focus entirely on your studies without financial stress.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2026?
Before you apply, it’s important to know if you qualify. To be eligible for NSFAS funding in 2026, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be a South African citizen.
You are enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or TVET college.
Your combined household income is R350,000 or less per year.
For students with disabilities, the combined household income threshold is R600,000 per year.
You must have a valid South African ID number.
You must have an email address and cellphone number for communication.
Note: Students already funded by NSFAS do not need to reapply each year unless they are changing institutions or courses.
Documents Required for NSFAS 2026 Application
To ensure your application is not delayed or rejected, make sure to upload clear, certified copies of all required documents. Here’s the complete list:
South African ID document or Smart ID card
Certified copies of parent(s) or guardian(s) ID
Proof of income for parents, guardian, or yourself (if employed)
Death certificate (if parents or guardian are deceased)
SASSA grant letter (if applicable)
Disability Annexure A form (if applicable)
Recent academic results
Proof of residence
How to Apply for NSFAS 2026 Online
Follow these steps carefully to submit a successful NSFAS application for the 2026 academic year.
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to the official NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za.
Click on “myNSFAS” at the top right corner of the homepage.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS Account
If you’re a new applicant, click on “Create Account.”
You’ll be asked to provide:
Full name and surname
ID number
Email address
Cellphone number
Password of your choice
A verification link will be sent to your email. Click the link to activate your account.
Step 3: Log In to Your myNSFAS Portal
Once your account is activated, log in using your email and password.
Step 4: Start Your Application
Click “Apply” to begin your NSFAS 2026 application. Carefully fill in all sections, including:
Personal details
Educational background
Household information
Financial status
Ensure all the information you provide is correct before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload all the required certified documents in clear, readable format (PDF or JPEG). Blurry or missing documents are a common reason for application rejection.
Step 6: Review and Submit
Double-check your details before clicking “Submit Application.”
After submission, you’ll receive an application reference number — keep this for tracking purposes.
NSFAS 2026 Application Dates
The NSFAS 2026 application period is expected to open in November 2024 and close in January 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure to submit early.
Important Reminder:
Always check the official NSFAS website or your institution’s financial aid office for updated closing dates, as deadlines may vary slightly each year.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status
After submitting your application, you can track its progress on the myNSFAS portal.
Here’s how to check:
Log in to your myNSFAS account.
Click on “Track Funding Progress.”
You’ll see your current application status, which may include:
Application Submitted
Awaiting Evaluation
Provisionally Funded
Approved for Funding
Rejected
If your application is unsuccessful, NSFAS will explain the reason, and you may appeal if you qualify.
Common Reasons NSFAS Applications Get Rejected
Understanding why applications are rejected can help you avoid mistakes. The most common reasons include:
Missing or incorrect documentation
Household income exceeding R350,000 threshold
Providing inaccurate personal or financial details
Submitting after the closing date
Failure to verify academic results or registration details
Make sure to double-check everything before submitting your application.
Appealing a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your NSFAS application is rejected, you can submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision.
Here’s how:
Log in to your myNSFAS account.
Select “Appeal Application.”
Upload the required supporting documents to explain your situation.
Submit the appeal and wait for NSFAS to review it.
Your appeal results will be sent via SMS or email once processed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply for NSFAS without matric?
You can apply if you’re enrolled in a TVET college, as some programs accept students without matric.
2. Does NSFAS fund private colleges?
No, NSFAS only funds students at public universities and TVET colleges.
3. How long does NSFAS funding last?
It covers the official duration of your course, as long as you maintain satisfactory academic progress.
4. Can I edit my NSFAS application after submission?
No, but you can cancel and resubmit before the deadline if you notice major mistakes.