Applications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2026 funding cycle are OPEN. Applications officially opened on September 15, 2025, and will close on November 15, 2025.
Check Your Personalized Funding Options
This guide provides a complete step-by-step walkthrough to apply for a NSFAS bursary. If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college in 2026 but cannot afford the fees, you must apply now.
NSFAS is a government bursary funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It is designed to help South African students from poor and working-class backgrounds pay for their studies.
Are You Eligible for NSFAS 2026?
Before you apply, you must check if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must meet all of the following requirements.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- Your combined annual household income must be R350,000 or less.
- If you are a person with a disability, the combined annual household income threshold is R600,000 or less.
- If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you are automatically eligible for funding (you still must apply).
- You must be applying to or already studying at a public university or TVET college.
- You must have passed Matric (Grade 12).
Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS?
NSFAS funding is only for specific qualifications and financial situations. You are not eligible to apply for NSFAS if:
- You already receive full funding for your studies from another bursary or source.
- You have already completed an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- You are applying for funding for a second undergraduate qualification.
- You are enrolled at a private university or private college.
- You are studying for a qualification that is not approved by the DHET or accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Having your documents ready will make the application process faster. All documents must be certified copies and clear, readable scans.
- Your certified South African ID copy (or a certified birth certificate).
- Certified ID copies of your parents, legal guardian, or spouse.
- Proof of income for your parents, guardian, or spouse (e.g., recent payslips, IRP5 form, or an affidavit).
- Note: If you are a SASSA grant recipient, you do not need to provide proof of income.
- A signed NSFAS Consent Form, which your parents or guardians must sign.
- A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (if you are disabled).
- A completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (if you are recognized as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development).
If applicable, you may also need to provide:
- A retrenchment letter.
- A death certificate for a parent or spouse.
- A divorce decree.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply on the myNSFAS Portal
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to complete your application.
- Go to the official website: Navigate to the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
- Create your account: Click on the “myNSFAS” tab. You will need to create a myNSFAS account to begin.
- Register your profile: Click “Register.” You must provide your ID number, full name and surname (as they appear on your ID), email address, and cellphone number.
- Create a password: Choose a secure password and confirm it.
- Upload your ID: Upload a clear copy of your ID document.
- Verify your account: An OTP (One Time Pin) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided. Type in the OTP to verify your account.
- Log in: Once verified, log in to your myNSFAS account using your email address (which is your username) and the password you created.
- Start your application: Click the “Apply” tab on the dashboard.
- Fill in the form: Complete all the required fields with your personal, academic, and household information.
- Upload your documents: Upload the certified copies of all the supporting documents listed in the section above.
- Submit: Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Submit” to send your application.
- Get your reference number: After you submit, you will receive a reference number. Keep this number safe as proof of your application.
What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?
The NSFAS bursary is comprehensive. It is designed to cover all the main costs associated with your studies. If your application is successful, NSFAS will pay for:
- Tuition Fees: Full payment of your course fees.
- Registration Fees: Full payment of your university or college registration fees.
- Accommodation: Costs for staying in university residences or approved private accommodation.
- Learning Materials: An allowance for you to buy books and other study materials.
- Living Allowance: A monthly stipend for food and personal care.
- Travel Allowance: An allowance for students who live at home and commute to campus daily.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status
After you apply, you must check your application status regularly. NSFAS will not call you about your status.
You must log in to your myNSFAS portal at www.nsfas.org.za. On your account dashboard, click the “Track Application Progress” tab.
Your status will change as your application moves through the system. Common statuses include:
- Application Submitted: Your application was successfully received.
- Verification: NSFAS is verifying your documents and details.
- Assessing Financial Eligibility: NSFAS is checking your household income.
- Awaiting Academic Results: NSFAS is waiting for your Matric results.
- Provisionally Funded: You are approved for funding, pending your registration at a public university or TVET college.
NSFAS Contact Details for 2026
If you have questions or need help with your application, use these official contact details.
- Official Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
- Physical Address (Head Office): The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001
You can also visit your nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office or Thusong Centre for free application assistance.