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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened its online applications for the 2026 academic year. If you’re a student planning to study at a public university or TVET college, and your household meets the income requirements, you may qualify for full bursary funding. Applications are 100% online and completely free — no third-party payments required.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS in 2026?
To apply, students must meet all the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Household income must not exceed R350,000 per year
- For applicants with disabilities, household income must not exceed R600,000
- Must be enrolled or planning to enrol at a public university or TVET college
- Not currently funded by NSFAS
Required Supporting Documents
Before applying, make sure you have clear electronic copies of the following (where applicable):
- South African ID (or birth certificate for under 16s)
- ID documents of parents/spouse/guardian
- Death certificate (if parents/guardian is deceased)
- Proof of income (unless you receive a SASSA Child Support Grant)
- Court order or marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Disability annexure (if applicable)
- Offer letter from university or college
NSFAS does not accept affidavits.
SASSA Child Support Grant recipients do not need to upload any documents.
How to Apply for NSFAS 2026
Visit www.nsfas.org.za and follow these four steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a myNSFAS account using your SA ID and contact details |
| 2 | Click on Apply and complete the online application form |
| 3 | Upload all relevant supporting documents |
| 4 | Click Submit and check your account for updates |
⏳ Deadline: All applications must be submitted by 15 November 2025
What the NSFAS Bursary Covers
If your application is successful, NSFAS will cover:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Allowances for:
- Food
- Accommodation or transport
- Learning material and assistive devices
- Personal care
Official Sources and More Info
- 📍 Apply via: www.nsfas.org.za
- ℹ️ FAQs and updates: Visit nsfas.org.za or contact your institution’s financial aid office
- 📢 Never pay anyone to apply — NSFAS is free
