How Do I Apply For NSFAS First Time 2025-2026?

How Do I Apply For NSFAS First Time 2025-2026

If you are a South African student who dreams of pursuing higher education but worries about financial challenges, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) can offer valuable assistance. NSFAS is a government-backed program designed to provide financial support to eligible students in South Africa.

This information aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to apply for NSFAS for the first time, enabling you to grasp the application process with clarity.

SEE ALSO: NSFAS Wallet Login Online 2025

Application Opening Date For NSFAS 2025-2026

If you are a first-time applicant of NSFAS then you need to stay updated on the application opening date and deadline. As a first-timer, you must submit your application NOW as the application portal has been opened for the 2024-2025 applications. All completed applications must be submitted before January 31, 2025. NSFAS may not consider late applications for the 2025-2026 academic year, therefore, submit your application on time before the closing date.

Eligibility Requirements For NSFAS 2025-2026

Before commencing your application, it is important to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria for NSFAS funding. Typically, these criteria encompass being a citizen of South Africa, having a household income that falls below a specific threshold, and being enrolled or intending to enrol in a recognized tertiary institution. Therefore, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary for the academic year 2025-2026 if you meet the following criteria;

South African citizens or permanent residents
SASSA grant recipients
Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year
Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600 000 per year.
Must have an email account and cell phone number.

Required Documentation To Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

To complete your NSFAS application, you’ll need to gather specific documents. These may include:

Students with disabilities must provide:

A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form

Students recognised as vulnerable children must provide:

An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker

Other documents that may be required, if applicable:

Retrenchment letter
Death certificate/s
Divorce Decree
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate
other documents may be required for appeal purposes,….eg retrenchment letter

READ: How Many Years Does NSFAS Cover 2025-2026

NSFAS Online Application Procedure 2025-2026

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for NSFAS 2025-2026;

Create a profile:

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.

Apply now:

To change your personal information and submit your application supporting documents, go to the “Apply” tab and follow the instructions.

Complete:

Submit your application

NSFAS Application Restrictions 2025-2026

It is a criminal offence if NSFAS discovers that an eligible student has misrepresented or manipulated their facts and they do not correspond with third-party data sources.
If required, NSFAS reserves the power to cancel or reject financial help to the student.

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
South African students: 0860 067 327
International students: +27 21 763 3232
Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

Applying for NSFAS for the first time in the academic year 2025-2026 might be an important step in your educational journey. You boost your chances of completing the application process effectively by following these step-by-step instructions and remaining informed. Visit NSFAS Official website here. Hope the provided information is helpful, kindly share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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