NSFAS
NSFAS Funding 2027: Applications, Eligibility, Allowances & How to Apply The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government-funded financial assistance to eligible South African students who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS is a bursary offered by NSFAS (open nationally). Applications close on 31 Oct 2026.
Who can apply
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government-funded financial assistance to eligible South African students who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
- NSFAS funding can help cover registration, tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation or transport, living expenses and personal care, depending on the student’s institution, circumstances and approved funding package.
- If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college, this guide explains everything you need to know about NSFAS funding, including who qualifies, what NSFAS pays for, how to apply, supporting documents, myNSFAS, application status, appeals and allowances.
- NSFAS Applications have opened for the 2027 academic year! Be sure to apply before the closing date of 31 October 2026! Read below how to apply and all other essential information.
- Receiving NSFAS funding does not mean that funding continues indefinitely regardless of academic performance.
- Students must comply with the applicable academic progression requirements.
- If you are already receiving NSFAS funding, make sure you understand your institution’s academic requirements and the NSFAS progression rules that apply to your qualification.
Documents you will need
- NSFAS may request supporting documentation depending on your circumstances.
- Upload clear and valid documents through your myNSFAS account.
- The documents required can differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
- South African ID document
- Parent, guardian or spouse information
- Proof of household income where required
- NSFAS Consent Form
- NSFAS Declaration Form, where applicable
- Disability Annexure Form, where applicable
- Medical documentation for applicants living with disabilities
- Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form, where applicable
- Death certificate
- Divorce decree
- Retrenchment letter
- Proof of legal guardianship
- Marriage certificate
- Other documents requested during an appeal or assessment
- NSFAS determines the documents required based on the applicant’s circumstances. Your myNSFAS account will indicate if additional documents are required.
How to apply
Applications are submitted directly to NSFAS - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.
Go to the application pageFull details
NSFAS Funding 2027: Applications, Eligibility, Allowances & How to Apply
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government-funded financial assistance to eligible South African students who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS funding can help cover registration, tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation or transport, living expenses and personal care, depending on the student’s institution, circumstances and approved funding package.
If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college, this guide explains everything you need to know about NSFAS funding, including who qualifies, what NSFAS pays for, how to apply, supporting documents, myNSFAS, application status, appeals and allowances.
NSFAS Applications have opened for the 2027 academic year! Be sure to apply before the closing date of 31 October 2026! Read below how to apply and all other essential information.
What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government entity established under the NSFAS Act to provide financial assistance to students from poor and working-class households.
NSFAS funding is intended for eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
The scheme helps remove financial barriers that could prevent students from accessing and completing higher education.
NSFAS 2027 Applications
NSFAS applications are OPEN and should be submitted by no later than 31 October 2026!
Apply through the official NSFAS website.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?
The NSFAS bursary is generally available to South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the applicable financial and academic requirements.
The current official financial eligibility thresholds are:
- Combined household income of R350,000 or less per year.
- For applicants living with a disability, the household income threshold is R600,000 or less per year.
- SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for the financial eligibility assessment, subject to the other NSFAS requirements.
- Applicants must study or intend to study at an eligible public university or TVET college.
- The qualification must meet NSFAS and applicable DHET requirements.
NSFAS eligibility is not based on household income alone. Applicants must also satisfy the applicable academic, registration and qualification requirements.
Note: if you do not meet all the criteria to apply for NSFAS funding, you can apply for bursaries to cover the cost of your studies. Find our bursaries open for application here.
Who Does Not Qualify for NSFAS?
You generally cannot receive NSFAS funding if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are studying at a private higher education institution.
- You have already received 100% study funding from another source.
- You have already completed an undergraduate qualification and want to study for a second undergraduate qualification.
- You have completed a certificate qualification and want to study for another certificate qualification.
- You are enrolled for a qualification that is not approved by the relevant authorities.
- You do not meet the applicable NSFAS financial eligibility requirements.
Students should always check the latest NSFAS eligibility rules for the academic year in which they intend to study.
What Does NSFAS Pay For?
The NSFAS bursary can cover several costs associated with studying at a public university or TVET college.
Depending on your institution and approved funding package, NSFAS may provide funding for:
Registration and Tuition
NSFAS covers approved registration and tuition costs for eligible funded students.
The applicable amounts are paid to the institution in accordance with NSFAS funding arrangements.
Learning Materials
Funding may be provided towards approved learning materials required for the student’s studies.
Accommodation
Eligible students who require accommodation may receive funding for approved university residence or qualifying accommodation.
NSFAS has also introduced an accreditation and registration system for student accommodation providers.
Students should use approved accommodation arrangements and check their NSFAS funding information before entering into accommodation agreements.
Transport
Students who live within the applicable distance from their institution may qualify for a transport allowance instead of accommodation funding.
Living Allowance
Eligible students may receive a living allowance to assist with day-to-day costs associated with studying.
Personal Care Allowance
A personal care allowance may apply to eligible students, depending on their funding and accommodation circumstances.
Important: NSFAS allowance amounts can change according to the latest DHET/NSFAS funding guidelines. Students should check their myNSFAS account and the latest official NSFAS information for the amounts applicable to their academic year.
NSFAS Allowances
NSFAS allowances are not necessarily the same for every student.
The amount and type of allowance you receive can depend on:
- Whether you attend a university or TVET college
- Whether you live in university accommodation
- Whether you live in approved private accommodation
- Your distance from the institution
- Your institution’s funding arrangements
- Your approved NSFAS funding package
Rather than relying on allowance figures from previous years, students should check their myNSFAS account for their current funding and allowance information.
NSFAS University Funding
Students studying at public universities may receive funding for approved:
- Tuition fees
- Registration
- Learning materials
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Transport
- Personal care, where applicable
The exact allowance structure depends on the student’s circumstances and the applicable annual NSFAS funding guidelines.
NSFAS TVET College Funding
NSFAS also provides financial assistance to eligible students studying at public TVET colleges.
TVET students may qualify for funding towards:
- Tuition and registration
- Learning materials
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Personal care and other approved allowances
NSFAS has also confirmed that funded TVET students can receive allowances through a bank account of their choice, subject to the applicable NSFAS process.
How to Apply for NSFAS
When the application period opens, applicants can follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to the official NSFAS website and access the myNSFAS portal.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS Profile
If you do not already have an account, create your profile using your personal details.
Make sure your cellphone number and email address are correct and accessible.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
Log into your myNSFAS account and complete all required sections of the application.
Provide accurate information about your personal circumstances, household and intended studies.
Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents
NSFAS may request supporting documentation depending on your circumstances.
Upload clear and valid documents through your myNSFAS account.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Review the information carefully before submitting your application.
Do not simply save the application and assume it has been submitted.
Step 6: Track Your Application
After submitting your application, regularly log into myNSFAS to check for:
- Application updates
- Requests for additional documents
- Funding decisions
- Registration or funding actions
- Appeal information
NSFAS Supporting Documents
The documents required can differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
NSFAS currently identifies documents and forms that may include:
Additional documentation may be required in certain circumstances, including:
NSFAS determines the documents required based on the applicant’s circumstances. Your myNSFAS account will indicate if additional documents are required.
NSFAS Consent Form
NSFAS uses the consent process to verify information supplied by applicants and their parents, guardians or spouses against information from independent third-party sources.
Applicants should carefully complete the applicable consent documentation and ensure that the information supplied is accurate.
NSFAS Declaration Form
The NSFAS Declaration Form may be required from applicants who are 34 years old or younger and is used to assist with verifying parental or guardian information.
Students should use the latest form supplied by NSFAS for the relevant application cycle.
NSFAS for Students Living With Disabilities
Students living with disabilities may qualify for the higher household income threshold of R600,000 per year.
Additional documentation may be required, including a completed Disability Annexure Form and supporting medical documentation.
Applicants should ensure that the required forms and medical documentation are submitted in the format requested by NSFAS.
NSFAS for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
NSFAS provides a specific declaration form for certain applicants who are orphans or vulnerable children.
The form applies to applicants under 18 who meet the relevant NSFAS definition and circumstances.
Applicants should use the latest official NSFAS form and provide any supporting documentation requested.
How to Check Your NSFAS Status
You can check your NSFAS application and funding information through your myNSFAS account.
Log in and look for the section relating to your funding or application progress.
NSFAS uses the portal to communicate important information about applications, including requests for outstanding documents and funding decisions.
Track Funding Progress
The NSFAS portal allows applicants to monitor the progress of their application and identify whether further action is required.
Possible stages can include:
- Application submitted
- Under review
- Awaiting information or documentation
- Funding decision
- Approved
- Unsuccessful
- Appeal
The exact wording displayed may vary depending on the stage of your application.
What If My NSFAS Application Is Rejected?
If your application is unsuccessful, you should first log into your myNSFAS account and check the reason provided.
If you believe that NSFAS has made an incorrect decision and you are eligible to appeal, you may submit an appeal through the prescribed NSFAS process.
NSFAS currently states that eligible rejected applicants may appeal within 30 days of receiving their application results.
Make sure that you provide any supporting documentation required for your appeal.
NSFAS Appeals
Before submitting an appeal:
- Log into your myNSFAS account.
- Check your application outcome.
- Read the reason for rejection carefully.
- Determine whether you meet the requirements to appeal.
- Gather supporting documentation.
- Submit the appeal through the NSFAS portal.
- Monitor your account for the appeal outcome.
An appeal does not automatically guarantee funding.
NSFAS Funding for Returning Students
Students who have already been approved for NSFAS funding generally do not need to submit a completely new application every year.
Continuing students are assessed according to the applicable NSFAS progression and funding rules.
NSFAS has confirmed that continuing students do not need to reapply when they remain eligible for continued funding.
However, students must continue meeting the relevant academic and funding requirements.
NSFAS Academic Requirements
Receiving NSFAS funding does not mean that funding continues indefinitely regardless of academic performance.
Students must comply with the applicable academic progression requirements.
If you are already receiving NSFAS funding, make sure you understand your institution’s academic requirements and the NSFAS progression rules that apply to your qualification.
Does NSFAS Fund Private Colleges or Universities?
No.
The NSFAS bursary is intended for eligible students studying at approved public universities and TVET colleges.
Does NSFAS Fund Postgraduate Studies?
NSFAS funding is primarily focused on undergraduate and approved TVET qualifications.
Certain postgraduate qualifications may be supported under specific NSFAS rules and funding categories.
Students intending to study postgraduate qualifications should check the latest official NSFAS postgraduate funding information before applying.
NSFAS Student Loan
NSFAS also operates a student loan scheme for students who fall outside the bursary household-income threshold but within the applicable student-loan income range.
The current NSFAS information states that the student loan is available to South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income between R350,001 and R600,000 per year, subject to the applicable requirements.
For persons living with disabilities, the household income threshold is capped at R600,000.
The student loan differs from the NSFAS bursary because it is repayable.
Students should carefully compare the bursary and student-loan requirements before applying.
NSFAS Accommodation
Accommodation is an important part of NSFAS funding.
NSFAS has an approved accommodation system through which accommodation providers can register properties for consideration by NSFAS beneficiaries.
Students should check whether their accommodation is approved or recognised under the applicable NSFAS accommodation arrangements before signing an agreement.
NSFAS also warns students about accommodation-related fraud and states that beneficiaries should not be charged fees simply to access NSFAS-funded accommodation.
Important NSFAS Scam Warning
Be careful when providing your personal information.
NSFAS has warned students to protect their:
- Password
- ID number
- Banking information
- One-time PINs
- myNSFAS login details
NSFAS officials will never ask you to share your password.
Do not pay someone who promises to “approve” your NSFAS application or speed up your funding.
Use the official NSFAS website and myNSFAS portal when submitting applications or documents.
NSFAS Contact Details
If you need assistance with your NSFAS application or funding, contact NSFAS directly.
NSFAS Toll-Free: 08000 67327Email: [email protected]: +27 63 093 5671USSD: 12067327#
For payment and balance enquiries, NSFAS lists [email protected]
For reporting fraud or corruption:
NSFAS Ethics & Fraud: [email protected]
Always verify contact information on the official NSFAS website before sharing personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS
Is NSFAS funding free?
The NSFAS bursary is financial aid rather than a conventional student loan. Eligible students must continue meeting the applicable funding and academic requirements.
NSFAS also has a separate student-loan scheme, which is repayable.
How much must my household earn to qualify for NSFAS?
The current NSFAS bursary income threshold is generally R350,000 or less per year, or R600,000 or less for persons living with disabilities.
SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for the financial eligibility assessment, subject to the other applicable requirements.
Can I apply for NSFAS if I am already studying?
Yes. Students who are already studying at an eligible public university or TVET college may apply if they meet the applicable NSFAS requirements and have not already been funded for the relevant studies.
Can SASSA beneficiaries apply for NSFAS?
Yes. NSFAS states that SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify for the financial eligibility assessment, although other NSFAS requirements still apply.
Can I apply for NSFAS if I study at a private college?
No. The NSFAS bursary is for eligible students studying at approved public universities and TVET colleges.
How do I check my NSFAS application?
Log into your myNSFAS account and use the available funding/application tracking features to view your current status and any outstanding actions.
Can I appeal if NSFAS rejects my application?
Eligible applicants can appeal through myNSFAS. NSFAS currently states that eligible rejected applicants should submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving their results.
Do I need to apply again every year?
Continuing NSFAS beneficiaries generally do not need to submit a new application every year. Continued funding is subject to the applicable academic progression and funding requirements.
When will NSFAS 2027 applications close?
The last day to apply for 2027 NSFAS funding, is 31 October 2026!
for NSFAS Applicants
Applying for NSFAS is about more than simply completing an online form. Make sure that your personal and household information is accurate, keep copies of documents you submit and regularly check your myNSFAS account.
Most importantly, do not rely on unofficial NSFAS application dates, allowance amounts or social-media posts. NSFAS rules and funding amounts can change, so use the latest information published by NSFAS for the relevant academic year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NSFAS?
The NSFAS is a bursary offered by NSFAS for South African students and applicants interested in Accounting/Finance, IT/Computer Science, and Health Sciences/Medicine. NSFAS Funding 2027: Applications, Eligibility, Allowances & How to Apply The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government-funded financial assistance to eligible South African students who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS fund... You can read the full details, eligibility criteria, and application steps on this page before you apply.
Who qualifies for the NSFAS bursary?
To qualify for the NSFAS bursary, applicants generally need to meet a few key conditions. These include The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government-funded financial assistance to eligible South African students who cannot afford the cost of studying at public universities and TVET colleges., NSFAS funding can help cover registration, tuition fees, learning materials, accommodation or transport, living expenses and personal care, depending on the student’s institution, circumstances and approved funding package., and If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college, this guide explains everything you need to know about NSFAS funding, including who qualifies, what NSFAS pays for, how to apply, supporting documents, myNSFAS, application status, appeals and allowances.. It is open to applicants at TVET, Postgraduate, and Undergraduate level. Read every requirement carefully on the official listing, because meeting all of them improves your chances of being shortlisted.
When does the NSFAS bursary close?
According to our sources, the NSFAS bursary closes on 31 October 2026. We last checked this listing on 20 September 2026. We always recommend verifying the closing date on the official listing, as providers sometimes extend or bring forward their deadlines.
What documents do I need to apply?
For the NSFAS bursary you will typically need to prepare NSFAS may request supporting documentation depending on your circumstances., Upload clear and valid documents through your myNSFAS account., The documents required can differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances., and South African ID document. Make sure any copies you submit are certified and clearly legible, as incomplete applications are often rejected. It also helps to scan everything in advance so you can upload or attach the documents quickly when you apply.
How do I apply for the NSFAS bursary?
When the application period opens, applicants can follow these steps: Review the information carefully before submitting your application. Do not simply save the application and assume it has been submitted. You can start your application using the official link provided on this page. Apply early and keep a copy of any reference number or confirmation you receive, in case you need to follow up.
Sources
This page summarises information published by:
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