How to Apply for NSFAS Application 2026

Whether you are just beginning to explore your options, have already secured funding, or are waiting for funding applications, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is now open and accepting applications for its 2026 academic intake. This opportunity is available to all qualified domestic students. We understand that the application process may come with challenges, and we are here to provide you with all the information you need to secure funding from NSFAS.

When to Apply for NSFAS funding For 2026:

For the 2026 academic year, matriculants who intend to enroll or are already enrolled at a TVET College or university, and have an email address and an active cell phone number, should begin preparing for the NSFAS online registration process. The registration will open on September 1, 2025, and close on November 30, 2025. All qualified students are welcome to register for NSFAS funding for the 2026 academic intake

Eligibility for NSFAS Funding 2026:

The program is designed to assist candidates or students who have financial needs. However, not everyone receives funding from the Nsfas. The group is recommended to submit their filled application form together with any necessary supporting documentation because they are eligible for financing.

Every qualified person from South Africa
Every SASSA grant recipient qualifies for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
A person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

What are the benefits of the NSFAS:

The amounts listed for housing, a living allowance, transportation, and educational materials must follow the most recent DHET criteria, which have been approved. The scheme covers the following expenditures:

Beneficiary from the University and Tvet Colleges

Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)

Transportation
Living allowance for every year
Book allowances
Incidental/personal care allowance

List of Participating universities

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Central University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
Mangosuthu University of Technology
Nelson Mandela University
North-West University
Rhodes University
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Sol Plaatje University
Tshwane University of Technology
University of Cape Town
University of Fort Hare
University of Johannesburg
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of Limpopo
University of Mpumalanga
University of Pretoria
University of South Africa (UNISA)
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Free State
University of the Western Cape
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Venda
University of Zululand
Vaal University of Technology
Walter Sisulu University

Participating Tvets: All the 52 Tvet colleges in the Republic of South Africa get funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The full list will be published by this portal in our subsequent articles.

Read Also: Top 20 South African Universities Accepting Applications for 2024

Supporting Documents Required For NSFAS Applications 2026:

If applying online, each of the following papers must be uploaded separately and scanned into a PDF format.

Remember this: Provide your active phone number and a working email address.

A copy of your ID or birth certificate is required.
Copies of parents’, guardians’, or spouse’s national identification cards
If necessary, proof of income or a year’s worth of IRP5
Your parents’, guardians’, or spouse’s proof of income.
You do not need to present any proof of income if you are a SASSA grant recipient.
A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form should be provided and submitted by all applicants with a disability.
An applicant identified by the Department of Social Development as a Vulnerable Child must also submit a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.

How to Apply NSFAS Online 2026

Follow the under-listed application procedure to apply for an NSFAS Bursary or Loan for the 2026 academic year

You must go to the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
Then select “myNSFAS” from the drop-down menu.
After that, you’ll need to create a myNSFAS account.
After you’ve created your myNSFAS account, go to the “Apply” tab.
Fill in the blanks on your screen with the answers to the questions on the screen.
All of your personal information should be updated.
Please upload all of the necessary supporting documentation.
Finally, press the “Submit” button to send your application to be reviewed.