Funding Programme: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Academic Year: 2027
Applications Open: 18 September 2026
Applications Close: 18 November 2026
Application Fee: Free
Study Institutions: Public Universities and Public TVET Colleges
Application Platform: myNSFAS / NSFAS Student App

About NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students from poor and working-class households to support access to higher education and training at public universities and TVET colleges.

The 2027 application cycle opens on Friday, 18 September 2026. NSFAS is encouraging prospective applicants to prepare their documents before applications open so they can submit their applications without unnecessary delays.

2027 Application Opening

Applications Open

18 September 2026

Applications Close

18 November 2026

Important: NSFAS applications are free. Applicants should never pay anyone to submit an NSFAS application. The NSFAS website also directs applicants to use the official myNSFAS platform.

Who Can Apply?

The current NSFAS eligibility information states that applicants must meet the relevant citizenship, study, financial and academic requirements.

Generally, applicants should be:

• South African citizens or permanent residents who meet NSFAS requirements.
• Planning to study at a public university or public TVET college.
• Registered or intending to register for an approved NSFAS-funded qualification.
• Within the applicable household-income threshold.
• Able to provide the required information and supporting documentation.

The current NSFAS information lists the standard household-income threshold at R350,000 per year, with a R600,000 threshold for applicants with disabilities; SASSA beneficiaries are automatically considered for financial eligibility. Applicants must still meet the other relevant funding requirements.

Note: Meeting the income threshold alone does not automatically guarantee funding. NSFAS also considers the qualification, institution, academic and other applicable funding criteria.

What NSFAS Funding Can Support

NSFAS funding is subject to the applicable funding rules, allowances, caps and eligibility requirements.

The bursary programme can provide support toward eligible study costs and allowances, including areas such as:

• Registration
• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Learning materials
• Food and other approved allowances

The exact support available depends on the applicable NSFAS funding rules and the student’s circumstances and institution.

Get Ready Before Applications Open

NSFAS recommends applicants prepare before the application window opens.

1. Create Your myNSFAS Account

Applicants should have:

• Their ID number
• A working email address
• Their own cellphone number

The official myNSFAS portal provides an option for applicants who do not yet have a profile to create one.

2. Gather Your Documents

Prepare clear copies of the documents that apply to your circumstances.

3. Check Your Personal Details

Make sure your name and ID information are correct and correspond with your official Home Affairs records.

4. Apply as Soon as the Window Opens

Complete your profile, provide the requested information, upload the required documents and submit your application.

After submitting, continue monitoring your myNSFAS account for updates.

NSFAS 2027 Supporting Documents

The NSFAS page you provided starts with a document checklist. The exact documents required can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and the application system will indicate the documents applicable to the applicant.

Identity Documents

Applicants may need:

• South African ID or Smart ID card
• Unabridged birth certificate if under 18

Household Income Information

Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need:

• Payslips
• IRP5 documents
• Other applicable proof of household income

NSFAS’s eligibility guidelines also provide for different documentation depending on the applicant’s circumstances, including information relating to parents, guardians and household income.

Additional Documents Where Applicable

Applicants should be prepared for the possibility of needing supporting documents relating to their individual circumstances, such as:

• Parent or guardian identification
• Death certificate where a parent/guardian is deceased
• Disability-related documentation where applicable
• Relevant legal or guardianship documentation
• Academic or registration information where applicable

Important: Do not upload documents simply because they appear on an old NSFAS checklist. Follow the document requirements generated by the 2027 myNSFAS application for your specific circumstances.

How to Apply

Step 1

Create or access your myNSFAS account.

Step 2

Complete your personal and household information.

Step 3

Provide the required consent and supporting information.

Step 4

Upload the documents requested for your application.

Step 5

Submit the application.

Step 6

Save your application reference and regularly check your myNSFAS account for updates.

Official application portal: myNSFAS Application Portal

Important NSFAS Notices

• Applying is free.
• Never pay anyone to submit an NSFAS application on your behalf.
• Use only official NSFAS platforms.
• Make sure your information is accurate.
• Upload clear and readable documents.
• Keep copies of everything you submit.
• Check your myNSFAS account regularly after submitting.
• Funding is not guaranteed simply because an application has been submitted.
• Students must continue meeting the applicable funding requirements to remain funded.

2027 NSFAS Media Briefing

The Department of Higher Education and Training’s 2027 application launch briefing is scheduled for:

Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 10:00 SAST

The briefing features Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela and is intended to announce the opening of the 2027 application cycle and provide information about the application process and readiness for the new academic year.

Livestream: NSFAS 2027 Applications Livestream

NSFAS 2027 Quick Summary

The official NSFAS information confirms that NSFAS does not fund students studying at private institutions, and funding is tied to approved qualifications and applicable eligibility requirements.