NSFAS Funding Application 2026 Is Officially Open!

If you’re planning to study at a university or TVET college in 2026 and need financial support, the good news is that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application for funding is now officially open. Applying early, understanding eligibility, preparing the required documents, and tracking your application carefully are all crucial. This article explains everything you need to know: the application period, who qualifies (and who doesn’t), what items/documents you’ll need, what NSFAS covers, how to create your myNSFAS account, how to apply, how to track your application, and how to contact NSFAS for help.

Application Date and Why You Should Apply Early

In the Minister’s speech, it was announced that NSFAS applications for 2026 will close on Saturday, 15 November 2025.
After the application period closes, there will be no second chance. Make sure you meet the deadline and submit your application promptly.
Why apply early?
1. It gives you time to gather all required documents (they can take time, especially for income verification, guardianship, or disability declarations).
2. Delays or missing documents can lead to your application being rejected or delayed.
3. You avoid last-minute server overloads, which can happen when many applicants wait until close to the deadline.
4. Early applicants are better placed to handle any unexpected issues (internet, missing forms, identity problems).

Who Is Eligible and Who Is NOT

Here are the main eligibility and ineligibility criteria for NSFAS funding. These apply to both University and TVET students, though there are some distinctions.

Eligible Applicants

South African citizens and permanent residents
Applicants from households with a combined annual income ≤ R350,000 per year (before deductions) for bursary funding.
For persons with disabilities, the income threshold is higher — households with income up to R600,000 per annum may qualify in certain cases.
Applicants who have passed Grade 12 (or equivalent matric certificate) if applying for first-entry into university or TVET.
Students already registered who are applying for funding renewal (if already NSFAS funded) must meet academic and financial eligibility.
Students with an email address and a phone number

Ineligible Applicants

These are examples of who will not be eligible for NSFAS funding under current rules:

Students who already have full-cost funding for studies from non-NSFAS sources.
Those who have already obtained an undergraduate qualification and want to study another undergraduate qualification.
Students who have completed a certificate qualification and want to do a second certificate qualification.
Students studying at private institutions (unless that institution is approved and meets NSFAS criteria).
Those enrolled for qualifications not approved by the Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET) or not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Items & Documents Needed to Apply

To make your application successful, you’ll need to gather the following items and documents. Having them ready before you begin will save time and reduce the risk of your application being delayed or rejected.

Basic Items

A working mobile phone number and email address.
A device with internet access to complete the online application (computer, tablet, or smartphone).
Valid official identification (see documents below).

Required Documents

Here is a list of required documentation for most applicants; some items are conditional (only if they apply in your situation):

Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
Certified copies of IDs of parents, guardian, or spouse (if applicable)
Proof of income – your own or that of your parents/guardians/spouse: latest payslips, IRP5, or other income documents
Disability Annexure Form (if you have a disability)
Orphan & Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (if under 18 and vulnerable/orphaned)
Legal guardianship documentation (if applicable)
Other supporting documents (if applicable), such as death certificates, divorce decrees, or retrenchment letters

What NSFAS Covers for University Students

NSFAS funding isn’t just tuition—it covers a range of costs. However, note that NSFAS is not always a full-cost bursary, meaning it may not cover everything fully; there can be shortfalls.

Here are the major areas of NSFAS coverage:

Tuition fees: NSFAS will pay the institution directly for approved tuition.
Registration fees: These are usually included with the tuition coverage.
Learning materials: Books, stationery, possibly a digital device, depending on the institution’s policies.
Accommodation (capped): If you stay in university-managed or accredited off-campus accommodation, there’s an allowance.
Transport or travel allowance: If you live away from home or cannot stay in campus accommodation. There are specific caps
Living allowance / personal care allowance: To assist with basic living costs

**How to Create Your myNSFAS Account**

Having a myNSFAS account is essential: you’ll use it to apply, track your application, update information, and more. Here’s how to set it up:

Go to the NSFAS official website: www.nsfas.org.za.
Look for the myNSFAS tab or “Register / Login” button.
Click on Register (for first-time users).
Fill in basic personal information:
- Full name
- South African ID Number or Permanent Resident details
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Create a password.
You may need to verify your phone number/email via an OTP or link.
Once registered, log in and ensure your profile details are complete and correct.

How to Apply via myNSFAS

After your account is ready, here’s the step-by-step application process:

Log in to your myNSFAS account.
Start a new application for the 2026 funding window.
Select whether you’re a first-time entering student (from school) or a returning / continuing student.
Enter personal and household information: names, incomes, dependents, guardianship status etc.
Upload or attach all required documents (ID, proof of income, etc.). Make sure they are certified where required, and that the scans/photos are clear.
Fill in additional forms that may show up due to your situation (Disability, Orphan/Vulnerable Child, guardianship, SASSA etc.).
Once everything is filled out, submit the application. You should receive a reference number confirming submission. Keep that safe.

How to Track Your Application

You’ll want to know the status of your application so you can respond quickly if something is missing. Here’s how to track:

Log in to myNSFAS.
Go to your dashboard or a tab labelled “Application Status / Track Application / My Application” etc.
Look for updates—common statuses include:
- Application Submitted
- Documents Missing / Awaiting Documents
- Under Review / Verification in Progress
- Assessing Financial Eligibility
- Assessing Academic Eligibility
- Provisionally Funded / Approved
- Rejected (if so, look for reasons so you can see if you can appeal).
Regularly check your email and myNSFAS account for requests for more documents or updates.
If required, respond quickly to any requests; sometimes, if you don’t provide missing documents or information by a deadline, the application could be cancelled.

Summary

NSFAS funding for 2026 is a valuable opportunity for many learners and students who need financial aid. To maximise your chance of success:

Mark the opening and closing dates on your calendar and don’t wait until the last minute.
Check if you’re eligible before applying, including income thresholds, status (first time/continuing), and whether your chosen institution & qualification are approved.
Gather all documents early, especially those harder to get, like proof of guardianship, social worker declarations, and disability forms.
Create your myNSFAS account ahead of time, and fill in all profile info correctly.
Apply fully, and track it closely to respond to any status or document requirements.

Good luck with your NSFAS 2026 application!

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