Applications for NSFAS 2026 are now open. Closing date: 15 November 2025. Read the full information below, check your eligibility, and use the buttons to apply or get more details.
What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). NSFAS provides financial support to financially needy South African students who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges.
Important: NSFAS administers funding and disbursements under instruction from government. No university manages the NSFAS application or selection process. Institutions only receive and disburse funds to successful recipients as instructed by NSFAS/DHET.
Key dates
- Applications open: Now
- Applications close: 15 November 2025 (final).
- Dates are subject to change — always confirm on the official NSFAS website or official NSFAS social channels.
Who is eligible?
To be considered for NSFAS funding you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a South African citizen, or a student with permanent residence. All SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirements.
- Have passed Grade 12 (matric) and intend to study at a public university or a TVET college.
- Not already have completed a prior tertiary qualification funded by NSFAS; applicants who have previously applied, qualified and already received NSFAS funding do not qualify again for a new qualification.
- Meet NSFAS financial eligibility thresholds (see below).
Financial eligibility (2026)
The financial thresholds used by NSFAS are:
| Category | Combined annual household income |
|---|---|
| Standard applicants | R350 000 or less per year (R29 167 per month) |
| Applicants living with a disability | R600 000 or less per year (R50 000 per month) |
| Applicants with household income between R350 001 and R600 000 | May be considered for an NSFAS Student Loan |
What does NSFAS cover?
NSFAS funding can cover several study-related items. Covered costs include (but are not always limited to):
- Registration fees and tuition (as per DHET/NSFAS funding rules)
- Learning materials (books, approved materials)
- Accommodation (capped amounts based on approved rates)
- Transport allowance (where applicable)
- Living allowance and personal care allowance (for students who need it)
Important: NSFAS is not a full-cost bursary — it may not cover the full shortfall between what universities charge and what NSFAS pays. All students are advised to seek other funding sources (private bursaries, company funding, loans, family contributions) to cover any gaps.
How to apply (myNSFAS account)
- Go to the official NSFAS website and click the myNSFAS / Apply tab (top right).
- Create a myNSFAS account — you will set up a username and password and provide personal details.
- Complete all required fields carefully and upload the requested supporting documents (see next section).
- Submit the application online and keep your login details safe. Do not share your password — beware of scammers.
- If you are a current NSFAS recipient, you are strongly urged to re-apply each year to remain considered for annual funding.
What documents do you need?
The documents required depend on your circumstances. The application system will generate a list of documents for you, but commonly required documents include:
- Certified copy of your ID or ID number (applicant)
- Proof of parents’/guardians’ or spouse’s income (latest payslips, employer letters, or affidavits)
- Death certificate/s (if applicable), divorce decree, retrenchment letter, or other evidence of changed circumstances
- Proof of legal guardianship (court order) where relevant
- NSFAS declaration form completed by the school principal or social worker (for non-SASSA applicants)
- Orphan and Vulnerable Child (OVC) declaration (for applicants under 18) — completed by a social worker (non-SASSA only)
- NSFAS consent form (signed by applicant and parent/guardian/spouse) — SASSA recipients do not need this
- Disability annexure (if applicable) completed by a registered medical professional or head of disability unit
Upload the requested documents to your myNSFAS account as the application prompts — missing documents can delay processing.
Other important information
- All applicants (new or continuing) are urged to apply annually. There is no separate application for continuing students — you must re-apply each year through myNSFAS.
- SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirements.
- If your household income is between R350 001 and R600 000 per year you may be offered an NSFAS student loan instead of a bursary.
- NSFAS funding is conditional on academic progression — funding is provided for the duration of your programme provided you meet progression and pass requirements.
- Beware of fake pages and scammers. Always use official NSFAS web pages, the official WhatsApp number and official NSFAS social media channels.
- Note: Stellenbosch University (and other universities) do not manage NSFAS applications or selection. Do not expect the university to apply on your behalf.
Contact details & social media
If you have questions, contact NSFAS directly using the official channels below. Do not give your personal login details to anyone.
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-free: 0800 0 06 3 27
- WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
- USSD: *120*67327#
- Official website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Apply (myNSFAS): my.nsfas.org.za
Quick FAQ
Do I need to re-apply every year?
Yes — all prospective and current NSFAS-funded students are strongly urged to apply annually for funding to remain considered for support.
Is NSFAS a full bursary?
No. Since 2023 NSFAS is not a full-cost bursary. You may need to top up with other funding sources.
Who manages NSFAS selections?
NSFAS (the government entity) manages applications and selection. Universities do not manage the national application or selection process.