NSFAS Bursary 2027: Applications, Requirements & How to Apply
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students who want to study at South African public universities and TVET colleges.
For the 2027 academic year, NSFAS applications opened on 18 September 2026 and the official NSFAS application page currently lists 31 October 2026 as the closing date. Applications are free and are submitted online through the myNSFAS system.
If you are planning to study in 2027 and need financial assistance, it is important to check the eligibility requirements and prepare your supporting documents before submitting your application.
NSFAS Bursary 2027 – Quick Details
Funding: NSFAS Bursary
Academic Year: 2027
Applications Open: 18 September 2026
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
Application Fee: Free
Study Institutions: Public universities and TVET colleges
Application Method: Online via myNSFAS
Who Can Apply for NSFAS?
According to the current NSFAS eligibility information, South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college can apply, provided they meet the applicable funding requirements.
Financial Eligibility
For the NSFAS bursary:
- Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement.
- Non-SASSA applicants generally need a gross combined household income of R350,000 or less per year.
- Persons with disabilities generally qualify financially with a gross combined household income of R600,000 or less per year.
NSFAS uses third-party information to verify financial information, so applicants should provide accurate information and complete the required consent documentation.
What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?
The current NSFAS information indicates that the bursary can cover approved costs including:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Learning materials
- Living allowance
- Personal care allowance
- Transport, where applicable
- Accommodation, where applicable
Students with disabilities may also qualify for additional approved support, such as assistive devices and certain support services, subject to assessment and approval.
Important: Allowances and funding are subject to the applicable NSFAS and DHET rules. Students should not assume that every allowance applies to every student.
NSFAS 2027 Requirements
Before applying, prospective students should make sure they have the information and documents required for their circumstances.
Everyone Applying
NSFAS currently requires a completed and signed consent form so that information can be verified against third-party sources.
Applicants Aged 34 or Younger
The current 2027 application system includes a declaration form for applicants aged 34 or younger, relating to parent or guardian details.
Students With Disabilities
Applicants with disabilities may need to submit:
- Disability annexure
- Medical report
The disability annexure must be completed and signed by the applicant and a medical practitioner.
Orphans or Vulnerable Children
Applicants who fall into the relevant orphan or vulnerable-child category may need an Orphan & Vulnerable Child declaration, completed by an authorised person such as a social worker.
How to Apply for NSFAS 2027
NSFAS has simplified the current application journey into three main steps:
Step 1: Create or Access Your myNSFAS Account
Use your:
- South African ID number
- Cellphone number
- Email address
If you already have a myNSFAS account, you can sign in and proceed with your application.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
Provide your:
- Personal information
- Household information
- Required consent
- Supporting documents
NSFAS states that you can save your application and return to complete it before submitting.
Step 3: Submit and Track Your Application
After checking your information:
- Submit your application.
- Save your application reference number.
- Sign in to myNSFAS to monitor your application status.
- Respond to any requests for additional or missing documents.
NSFAS specifically advises applicants to keep their reference number and monitor their application.
Important NSFAS 2027 Application Date
Applications Close: 31 October 2026
The current official NSFAS 2027 application page states that applications close on 31 October 2026 and that late applications cannot be accepted.
Do not wait until the final day to apply.
Submit your application early so that you have time to correct problems with your documents or information.
Where to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official NSFAS website/myNSFAS system.
Official NSFAS website:
NSFAS Official Website
Apply for NSFAS 2027:
NSFAS 2027 Application Portal
Important: NSFAS applications are free. Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay a fee to submit an NSFAS application on your behalf. The official NSFAS 2027 application page explicitly states that there is no application fee.
NSFAS Application Tips
Before submitting your application:
- Make sure your name and ID number match your official identification documents.
- Use your own cellphone number and email address.
- Complete the required consent form correctly.
- Upload clear, readable documents.
- Make sure all required pages of a document are included.
- Check that signatures are completed where required.
- Save your NSFAS application reference number.
- Check your myNSFAS account regularly.
- Respond quickly if NSFAS requests additional documents.
NSFAS says common document problems include cropped or unreadable images, missing signatures, outdated forms, incomplete multi-page documents and mismatched names or ID numbers.
NSFAS Bursary vs NSFAS Student Loan
NSFAS also has a student-loan pathway. The current NSFAS FAQ distinguishes the bursary from the loan: a bursary generally does not need to be repaid when the applicable conditions are met, while a loan must be repaid according to its terms.
For the bursary, the current financial threshold for non-SASSA applicants is R350,000 or less, while the loan has different income criteria.
If your household income is above the bursary threshold, check the current NSFAS loan information rather than assuming you qualify for the bursary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do NSFAS 2027 applications open?
NSFAS 2027 applications opened on 18 September 2026.
When do NSFAS 2027 applications close?
The current official NSFAS application page states that applications close on 31 October 2026.
Is NSFAS free to apply for?
Yes. NSFAS states that there is no application fee.
Can TVET students apply for NSFAS?
Yes. Eligible students can apply for approved undergraduate qualifications at public TVET colleges, subject to the applicable requirements.
Can university students apply?
Yes. Eligible students can apply for approved undergraduate qualifications at public universities, subject to the applicable requirements.
What is the NSFAS income threshold?
For non-SASSA applicants applying for a bursary, the current threshold is R350,000 or less in gross combined household income per year. For persons with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000 or less. Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement.
Does NSFAS fund private colleges?
The current NSFAS eligibility information refers to eligible public universities and public TVET colleges.
How do I check my NSFAS application?
Sign in to your myNSFAS account and monitor your application status. NSFAS also advises applicants to keep their application reference number.
Apply Before the Deadline
If you are planning to study in 2027 and believe you may qualify for NSFAS funding, prepare your documents and submit your application before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
Applications are free and must be submitted through the official NSFAS application system.