NSFAS Bursary 2027: Requirements, Applications, Funding & Closing Date
If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa in 2027, and you need financial assistance, the NSFAS Bursary 2027 may help cover eligible study-related costs.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial support to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents who study or plan to study at approved public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS 2027 applications opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Applying is free and can be done online through myNSFAS or the NSFAS mobile app.
Important: Meeting the household-income requirement does not automatically guarantee NSFAS funding. Applicants must also meet the other applicable requirements and successfully complete the verification and application process.
NSFAS Bursary 2027 at a Glance
Funding programme: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Academic year: 2027
Applications opened: 18 September 2026
Closing date: 31 October 2026
Application fee: Free
Study institutions: Public universities and TVET colleges
Application method: Online through myNSFAS or the NSFAS mobile app
Non-SASSA household income threshold: R350,000 or less per year
Persons with disabilities: R600,000 or less per year
SASSA grant recipients: Verified SASSA recipients automatically meet the financial requirement for a bursary
Official application: NSFAS / myNSFAS
What Is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government funding scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible students who cannot afford the costs associated with studying at public universities and TVET colleges.
NSFAS is an entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and was established in terms of the NSFAS Act, Act 56 of 1999.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide financial support to eligible students so that financial circumstances do not prevent them from accessing higher education and training.
NSFAS funding can include tuition and registration costs as well as approved allowances, depending on the student’s institution, qualification and living arrangements.
When Do NSFAS 2027 Applications Open and Close?
The NSFAS 2027 application period officially opened on:
18 September 2026
The closing date is:
31 October 2026
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible instead of waiting until the final day.
NSFAS says applications are free. You should not pay anyone to submit an NSFAS application on your behalf.
NSFAS 2027 Important Date
Closing date: 31 October 2026
Make sure your application is properly completed and submitted before the deadline.
Who Can Apply for NSFAS 2027?
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.
This includes:
- Students planning to start tertiary studies
- Students already studying at a public university
- Students studying at a public TVET college
- Eligible SASSA grant recipients
- Eligible students from low-income households
- Eligible students with disabilities
However, simply applying does not guarantee funding. NSFAS also checks the applicant’s financial and other eligibility information.
NSFAS 2027 Household Income Requirements
One of the most important parts of an NSFAS application is the household-income assessment.
For the current NSFAS bursary requirements:
Non-SASSA applicants
The gross combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
Persons with disabilities
The gross combined household income must be R600,000 or less per year.
SASSA recipients
Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement for a bursary.
NSFAS uses third-party information to verify financial circumstances, and applicants must provide an accurate and properly completed consent form.
What Does “Gross Household Income” Mean?
Gross income refers to income before deductions, such as tax.
NSFAS looks at the income of the people whose income must be considered based on the applicant’s circumstances.
For example:
If you are unmarried
Your income may be combined with the gross income of your parent or parents.
If you have a legal guardian
Your income may be combined with the gross income of your legal guardian or guardians.
If you are married
Your income is considered together with the gross income of your spouse.
Independent learners
NSFAS has specific rules for independent learners, including applicants over 34 who are financially self-sufficient and applicants who have been legally emancipated by a court.
Does Receiving SASSA Automatically Mean You Will Get NSFAS?
Not necessarily.
Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement for a bursary, but they still need to meet the other applicable NSFAS requirements and complete the application process.
In other words:
SASSA recipient → financial requirement met
But:
Financial requirement met ≠ automatic NSFAS funding
You must still complete the application and satisfy the other applicable requirements.
What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?
NSFAS funding can cover different study-related costs depending on the student’s circumstances.
The current NSFAS 2027 information states that funding is paid according to the approved NSFAS funding policy for the relevant academic year.
The amount a student receives depends on factors such as:
- Institution
- Qualification
- Living arrangements
- Whether the student qualifies for a particular allowance
The current NSFAS application information identifies the following funding categories.
1. Registration and Tuition
Eligible funding can cover registration and tuition costs, with payments made to the relevant public university or TVET college according to NSFAS arrangements.
2. Accommodation
Eligible students may receive funding for approved accommodation.
3. Transport
Students who meet the relevant requirements may receive transport-related support where applicable.
4. Learning Materials
NSFAS can provide an allowance towards approved learning materials, including books and study-related materials.
5. Personal Care Allowance
A personal care allowance may be available to qualifying students.
Important
Do not rely on old NSFAS allowance figures circulating online.
The NSFAS website specifically states that funding amounts depend on the approved funding policy for the relevant academic year, as well as the student’s institution, qualification and living arrangements.
This is why older articles showing fixed amounts for accommodation, transport, books or living allowances should be checked before using them for 2027.
NSFAS for University Students
Students attending eligible public universities may receive financial support for approved costs.
Depending on eligibility and circumstances, this may include:
- Registration
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Learning materials
- Personal care
The actual funding arrangement depends on the applicable NSFAS policy and the student’s circumstances.
NSFAS for TVET College Students
NSFAS also provides funding for eligible students studying at public TVET colleges.
Depending on the student’s circumstances and applicable rules, funding may include:
- Registration
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Learning materials
- Personal care
Students should also remember that NSFAS funding and college admission are separate processes.
You must apply for admission to the TVET college as well as apply for NSFAS funding.
What Documents Are Needed for NSFAS 2027?
NSFAS has introduced specific supporting documents for the 2027 application process.
Applicants should prepare clear copies of the required documents before starting their application.
1. NSFAS Consent Form
Everyone applying must complete the required consent form.
The form gives NSFAS permission to verify the applicant’s information and relevant parent, guardian or spouse information against third-party sources.
The current NSFAS instructions state that the consent form must be properly completed and signed.
2. Declaration Form
Applicants who are 34 or younger must complete the applicable declaration form confirming their parent or guardian information.
3. Disability Annexure
Students with disabilities must complete the applicable disability documentation.
The NSFAS application page states that the disability annexure must be completed and signed by the applicant and a medical practitioner and submitted together with the medical report.
4. Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration
Applicants who are under 18 and are orphaned or classified as vulnerable children may need the applicable declaration completed by a social worker or authorised official.
Check Your Documents Carefully
NSFAS warns that documents can be sent back when they are:
- Blurry
- Cut off
- Difficult to read
- Missing signatures
- Completed using the wrong form
- Missing pages
- Showing names or ID numbers that do not match
- Signed incorrectly
NSFAS also says forms should be completed in capital letters and black ink, where applicable, and corrections must be properly initialled.
How to Apply for NSFAS 2027
You can apply for NSFAS funding online or through the NSFAS mobile app.
Step 1: Create or Access Your myNSFAS Profile
Go to the official NSFAS website and access myNSFAS.
You will need your:
- South African ID number
- Cellphone number
- Email address
If you already have a myNSFAS account, log in rather than creating a duplicate profile.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
After accessing your profile:
- Complete your personal information
- Provide household information
- Provide the required consent
- Upload the applicable documents
- Check your information carefully
The current NSFAS system allows applicants to save their application and return to it before submitting.
Step 3: Upload Your Supporting Documents
Upload the required supporting documents.
Make sure:
- The documents are clear
- All pages are included
- All information is readable
- Names and ID numbers are correct
- Required signatures are present
- You use the correct 2027 forms
Step 4: Check Everything Before Submitting
Before pressing Submit, go through the entire application.
Check:
- Your name
- ID number
- Contact details
- Household information
- Parent/guardian information
- Income information
- Uploaded documents
An error in your information can cause delays during verification.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Once everything is correct, submit the application.
Do not stop before submitting.
Saving an application is not the same as submitting it.
Step 6: Save Your NSFAS Reference Number
After submitting your application, keep your reference number somewhere safe.
You can use your myNSFAS profile to track your application and check whether NSFAS requires additional information or documents.
How to Track Your NSFAS Application
You can track your NSFAS application through your myNSFAS profile.
NSFAS indicates that applications can move through different stages, including:
- Verification
- Awaiting documents
- Funding eligibility
- Unsuccessful
If NSFAS requests additional or corrected documents, log into your account and respond as soon as possible.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting an application, NSFAS verifies the information provided.
This may involve checking information against third-party sources, including information relating to:
- Identity
- Household circumstances
- Income
- SASSA information
Applicants should therefore ensure that the information supplied in the application and consent forms is accurate.
Does Applying for NSFAS Guarantee Funding?
No.
Meeting the income threshold does not automatically mean that you will receive NSFAS funding.
NSFAS states that the income requirement is only one part of the eligibility assessment. Applicants must also meet the other applicable requirements and successfully complete the application and verification process.
Does NSFAS Admission Mean You Have Been Accepted at a University?
No.
This is an important distinction.
Applying for NSFAS funding is not the same as applying for admission to a university or TVET college.
If you want to study in 2027, you should make sure you also apply for admission to your chosen institution.
Your institution’s admission process and your NSFAS funding application are separate processes.
Who Should Apply for NSFAS 2027?
You should consider applying if you:
- Are a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Plan to study at a public university or TVET college
- Are already studying at an eligible public institution
- Meet the applicable financial requirements
- Need financial assistance for your studies
- Have the required supporting documents
- Are prepared to complete the application and verification process
Remember that meeting these conditions does not by itself guarantee funding.
Who May Not Qualify?
An applicant may not qualify if they do not meet the applicable NSFAS requirements.
For example, the current financial requirements mean that a non-SASSA applicant whose gross combined household income is above R350,000 per year would not meet the bursary income threshold, unless another applicable category or funding route applies.
Similarly, applicants must be studying or intending to study at an eligible public university or TVET college.
There are also separate rules governing continuing students, qualifications and academic progression, so applicants should not assume that one previous NSFAS decision automatically determines their 2027 eligibility.
NSFAS Bursary vs NSFAS Loan
NSFAS currently has both bursary and loan funding.
Bursary
A bursary generally does not have to be repaid if the recipient meets the applicable conditions.
Loan
A loan is funding that must be repaid according to the applicable loan terms.
For undergraduate applicants who fall between R350,000 and R600,000 gross combined household income, the current NSFAS FAQ identifies a loan income range. Postgraduate loan income requirements are also listed separately.
Therefore, if your household income is above the NSFAS bursary threshold, do not automatically assume that no NSFAS-related funding option exists. Check the current official NSFAS information for the funding category that applies to you.
Common NSFAS Application Mistakes to Avoid
Before submitting your application, check the following:
1. Applying at the last minute
Don’t wait until the closing date.
Technical problems, missing documents or verification issues can take time to resolve.
2. Uploading blurry documents
Make sure every document can be clearly read.
3. Cutting off the edges of documents
NSFAS specifically warns that missing corners or edges can cause documents to be sent back.
4. Forgetting signatures
Check that all required people have signed the applicable forms.
5. Using an old form
Use the forms provided for the 2027 application cycle.
6. Submitting only one page
If a document contains multiple pages, make sure all required pages are uploaded.
7. Incorrect personal information
Make sure your name and ID number match your official documents.
8. Saving but not submitting
An application is not complete simply because you have saved your information.
Make sure you actually submit it.
9. Paying someone to apply
NSFAS applications are free. Be careful of people who ask for money in exchange for submitting an NSFAS application.
NSFAS 2027 Application Checklist
Before you start, have the following ready where applicable:
☐ South African ID information
☐ Working cellphone number
☐ Email address
☐ Parent/guardian/spouse information where applicable
☐ Signed NSFAS consent form
☐ Declaration form if applicable
☐ Disability annexure and medical report if applicable
☐ Orphan or vulnerable child declaration if applicable
☐ Clear supporting documents
☐ Information about your intended or current public university/TVET college
☐ Household income information
☐ Your NSFAS reference number after submission
NSFAS 2027 Closing Date
The official NSFAS 2027 application closing date is:
31 October 2026
Applications opened on 18 September 2026.
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application.
Where to Apply for NSFAS 2027
Always use the official NSFAS channels when applying.
Official NSFAS website
Apply through myNSFAS
NSFAS says applications are free and can be completed online or through the NSFAS mobile app.