Applications for NSFAS 2026 are OPEN. Having the correct and complete set of documents is the most important step for a successful application. Every year, thousands of students are rejected or delayed because of missing, blurry, or expired documents.
Check Your Personalized Funding Options
This guide provides a complete checklist of all documents you need for your 2026 NSFAS application. Use this to get your files in order before you apply.
Why Your NSFAS Documents Are Critical
NSFAS must verify every applicant’s identity and financial situation. Your documents are the official proof that you are a South African citizen and that your household income meets the funding requirements.
If you upload an unreadable photo, an expired document, or the wrong form, your application will be delayed. If you fail to submit the correct files, your application will be rejected.
Checklist: Required Documents for NSFAS 2026
Gather these documents before you start your online application. This list is divided into documents for all applicants and documents for specific situations.
Core Documents for All Applicants
Every student applying for NSFAS must provide these:
- Your Certified ID Copy: A clear, certified copy of your South African ID. This can be a Smart ID (both sides) or a green barcoded ID book.
- Parent/Guardian/Spouse ID Copies: Certified ID copies for all people who provide your household income.
- NSFAS Consent Form: This is a mandatory form you must download from the NSFAS website. Your parents or guardians must sign it. This gives NSFAS permission to verify your household income with SARS.
- Proof of Income: Certified proof of income for your parents, guardian, or spouse. This document must not be older than 3 months.
What Counts as “Proof of Income”?
- If Employed: Submit recent payslips (not older than 3 months).
- If Self-Employed: Submit the latest financial statements or an affidavit.
- If Unemployed: Submit a sworn affidavit stating they are unemployed (not older than 3 months).
- If a Pensioner: Submit a pension slip.
Documents for Specific Family Situations
You must submit extra documents if your personal or family situation is not standard.
If you are a SASSA Grant Recipient
You are automatically eligible for funding. You must provide:
- A certified copy of your ID.
- Proof of your SASSA grant.
You do not need to upload your parent’s proof of income or the NSFAS Consent Form. NSFAS will automatically verify your SASSA status.
If you have a Disability
You must complete, sign, and upload the Disability Annexure A Form. This form must be completed and signed by a qualified medical doctor.
If your Parents are Deceased
You must upload certified copies of their Death Certificates.
If your Parents are Divorced or Separated
You must upload a certified copy of the Divorce Decree or a sworn affidavit from your parent explaining your situation.
If you are an Orphan or Vulnerable Child (OVC)
You must upload a Vulnerable Child Declaration Form. This is usually provided by a registered social worker. If you do not have one, you can provide a sworn affidavit explaining your situation.
Rules for Certifying and Scanning Your Documents
NSFAS has strict rules for all submitted files.
The 3-Month Certification Rule
All certified documents (like IDs, payslips, affidavits, and death certificates) must be certified recently. The certification stamp must not be older than 3 months from the date you apply.
Where to Certify Your Documents
You can get your documents certified for free at any:
- South African Police Service (SAPS) station
- South African Post Office (SAPO)
- Commissioner of Oaths (you can find one at a bank, university, or municipal office)
File Format and Quality
- Format: Save all your documents as PDF or JPG files.
- Quality: Your scans or photos must be clear and easy to read. Blurry, dark, or unreadable files will be rejected.
How to Upload Documents to the myNSFAS Portal
You will upload all your documents during the online application process.
- Go to the official NSFAS website (
www.nsfas.org.za) and log in to your myNSFAS account. - Start a new application for the 2026 funding cycle.
- As you fill out the application form, the system will ask you to upload documents.
- You will see a list of required documents based on the answers you provided.
- Click “Upload” or “Attach File” for each document.
- Select the correct file (PDF or JPG) from your phone or computer.
- Check that the file is attached before you move to the next step.
- Review all your uploaded documents before you finally click “Submit.”
Common Document Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Avoid these common problems to ensure your application is processed quickly.
- Expired Certification: Your certified copies are older than 3 months.
- Blurry Files: NSFAS cannot read the details on your ID or payslip.
- Missing Documents: You forgot to upload a required file, like the Consent Form.
- Incorrect Forms: You used an old version of the Disability Annexure or Consent Form. Always download the 2026 forms from the NSFAS website.
- Incomplete Scans: You only scanned one side of your Smart ID card or missed a page on a payslip.
What Happens After You Upload Your Documents?
After you submit, NSFAS begins the verification process.
NSFAS automatically checks your information with the Department of Home Affairs (to confirm your ID) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) (to confirm your household income). This is why the Consent Form is mandatory.
You must log in to your myNSFAS portal regularly to track your application status. If there is a problem with a document, your status will change to “Awaiting Documents” or “Application Incomplete.” The portal will tell you which document you need to fix and re-upload.
Do You Qualify for the NSFAS Bursary?
The household income rules can be confusing. Don’t waste time on the application if you are not eligible.
Use our free tool to check your status fast. Check Your Eligibility Now