How to apply NSFAS 2026

You must meet several criteria to qualify for NSFAS funding. Key ones for 2026:

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Be intending to study (or already studying) at a public university or a TVET college recognised/approved by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) / Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Financial eligibility: for bursaries your combined household income must typically be R350,000 or less per annum. For the disabled this may be up to R600,000.
You may not be eligible if you already have an undergraduate qualification and you’re applying again for another undergraduate (in many cases).

The 2026 online application portal opened around 16 September 2025.
The deadline was set at around 15 November 2025 for many applicants.
Note: Some sources suggest extension until 31 January 2026, but those may reflect late applications or TVET / second semester cases.
Recommendation: Apply as early as possible. Delays or last-minute issues can jeopardise your funding.

You will need a range of certified documents to support your application. These may include (but are not limited to):

Your South African ID (or birth certificate if under 18).
IDs of your parent(s)/guardian(s) or spouse (depending on your household).
Proof of income of parent(s)/guardian(s)/household (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant letter if applicable).
If you are a recipient of a SASSA grant (Child Support Grant etc) — that may simplify the process.
If you’re under 18 and orphaned or vulnerable — an “Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form”.
If you have a disability — a Disability Annexure Form + medical report.
If you have a legal guardian (not parent) – court proof of guardianship. www.nsfas.org.za

Here’s how to complete your application through the online portal (via the “myNSFAS” account).

Visit the official NSFAS website: nsfas.org.za and click the “myNSFAS” link.
Create a myNSFAS profile: your ID number will often be your username. Provide your full name (as per ID), email address, cell phone number.
Log in, fill in the application form: personal details, contact, education details, household income, etc.
Upload the required documents (from Step 3 above) in the formats required (PDFs, certified copies).
Review all details carefully, then submit your application. You will receive a reference number/confirmation.
Track your application status via your myNSFAS account: look out for statuses like “Submitted”, “Under review”, “Approved”, “Documents missing”

Your application goes into verification: e.g., checking parental/guardian details, confirming income, verifying orphan/vulnerability status, etc.
Then academic eligibility is assessed: your programme must comply, you must not exceed certain “N+ rule” (normal years plus extra allowed) etc.
If approved: you’ll be notified and funding will be channelled (fees, allowances, accommodation etc depending on your case).
If rejected: you may be able to appeal — check the reason and submit supporting documentation for the appeal.

Apply early, don’t wait until just before the deadline — avoid system issues, delays.
Ensure all uploads are certified, clear, legible. Scanned copies should be readable.
Double-check that the names on documents match exactly (no typo differences).
If you are under 18, or from a child-headed household, or have special circumstances — make sure those forms (e.g., Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration) are completed.
If your parent is unemployed, get an affidavit rather than leaving blanks.
Keep your reference number and login info safe.
Regularly check your application status and respond to any document-requests promptly.
While waiting, keep your registration at the institution in mind: your funding might depend on you registering and meeting academic progression.

Related Posts