NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027

NSFAS Requirements 2026-2027

If you’re planning to apply for financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2026-2027 academic year, it’s important to understand the essential requirements you need to meet and the documents you must submit. The NSFAS program is aimed primarily at supporting South African students from low-income families to access higher education at public universities and TVET colleges. To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026-2027, you must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident with a valid South African ID. Additionally, your household income should not exceed certain limits set by NSFAS. For example, generally, applicants with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year are eligible. Students with disabilities may have a higher income threshold of up to R600,000 annually.

For those who started university before the previous years, a lower income cap is also applied. NSFAS also requires that you plan to register for an approved qualification at a public institution, ensuring that your course is recognized and funded by NSFAS. Alongside meeting these eligibility criteria, applicants must submit specific supporting documents with their application. These usually include a certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate, certified copies of your parents’, guardians’, or spouse’s ID documents, and proof of household income such as payslips or an IRP5 tax certificate. If you receive a social grant from SASSA, you may be exempt from submitting income documents.

Students with disabilities must provide a completed medical assessment form to qualify. Submitting all required documents clearly and legibly is critical to avoid delays or rejection. It is recommended to start your application early when the portal opens, typically around September, and submit everything before the closing date in January. Understanding and meeting the NSFAS requirements for 2026-2027 will make your application process smoother and increase your chances of securing the financial aid you need to pursue your studies without financial stress.

READ: NSFAS Application Form 2026-2027 PDF

Requirements For NSFAS 2026-2027

NSFAS is a government-funded project that gives financial assistance to qualifying students. It was established to reduce financial barriers to education. This support covers a variety of expenditures, including tuition, housing, and study materials. To be eligible for this assistance, applicants must meet specific criteria and follow the requirements.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2025 or you are already studying at a public university or TVET college, and you meet the following requirements:

• 
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.

NSFAS Important Dates and Deadlines 2026-2027

To ensure you don’t miss out on NSFAS funding, keep these dates in mind:

• Application opening date: The application window typically opens in September 2025
• Application closing date: The closing date for applications is usually January 31, 2026

Funding decisions: NSFAS funding decisions are generally announced between January and February, before the start of the academic year.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply for NSFAS Funding 2026?

To complete your NSFAS application, make sure to gather the following documents:

• You must be a South African citizen and have a valid South African ID.
• You need to be registered or have been accepted to study at a public university or a TVET college in South Africa.
• Eligibility includes first-time applicants or returning students who meet the required academic performance standards.
• Your household income should not exceed R350,000 per year; if you have a disability, the limit is R600,000 per year.
• If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
• You must provide a valid email address and cellphone number for communication purposes.
• You should be enrolled in an NSFAS-funded program like PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 at a public TVET college.
• You cannot be applying to study a qualification that you have already received NSFAS funding for (no duplicate qualifications).
• If you’re applying for continued funding, you must show satisfactory academic progress.
• Applicants recognized as vulnerable children by the Department of Social Development may also be eligible.

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: NSFAS Allowance 2026-2027

How to Apply for NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

Applying for NSFAS funding is a simple, online process. Follow these steps:

• Visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za to begin your application process.
• Click on the “MyNSFAS” tab located at the top right corner of the homepage to start creating your account.
• Provide your details, including your South African ID number, a valid email address, and a working phone number. Make sure the information you enter is accurate and matches your official documents.
• After successfully creating your account, log in using the username and password you set up during registration.
• Once logged in, proceed to complete the online application form carefully. Fill in all required fields with precise personal, academic, and financial information to avoid mistakes that could delay processing.
• Upload all the required supporting documents. Ensure that each document is clear, legible, and properly scanned or photographed to prevent issues or rejection of your application.
• Review your entire application thoroughly, confirming that all the details are correct and all necessary documents have been attached.
• Finally, submit your application through the portal.
• After submission, you will receive a confirmation message or notification indicating that your NSFAS application has been successfully submitted.

NSFAS Contact Information

You can get in touch with NSFAS through the details provided below:

• 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

Securing NSFAS funding can be life-changing, but you need to be well-prepared and meet all the requirements. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting your application on time, you can secure the financial assistance you need to pursue your education and achieve your dreams. So, take the first step toward a brighter future by applying for NSFAS funding today. Visit this website for more information. Share your thoughts in the comment section. I hope you’ve found the information you are looking for in this post.

Links Related: