NSFAS Applications 2027 Now Open: How to Apply, Requirements and Closing Date
NSFAS Applications 2027 Now Open: How to Apply, Requirements and Closing Date
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year are now open, giving eligible South African students an opportunity to apply for financial assistance to study at public universities and TVET colleges.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme opened the 2027 application cycle on 18 September 2026. Students who need financial assistance with their studies are encouraged to complete their applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the final days.
According to the announcement made at the launch of the 2027 application cycle, applications are expected to close on 18 November 2026.
If you are planning to start or continue your studies in 2027, this guide explains who qualifies, the documents you may need, how to create a myNSFAS account and how to submit your application online.
NSFAS Applications 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding provider | National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Applications opened | 18 September 2026 |
| Closing date announced | 18 November 2026 |
| Application fee | Free |
| Application method | Online through myNSFAS |
| Institutions | Public universities and TVET colleges |
| Country | South Africa |
Applicants should apply as soon as possible because waiting until the closing date could leave little time to correct errors or submit outstanding documents.
Who Can Apply for NSFAS Funding in 2027?
NSFAS funding is mainly available to eligible South African citizens and permanent residents who intend to study or are already studying at a South African public university or TVET college.
For NSFAS bursary funding, applicants who are not SASSA grant beneficiaries generally need to have a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per year.
Applicants living with disabilities may qualify where the combined household income is up to R600,000 per year, subject to NSFAS requirements.
Students who receive qualifying SASSA grants generally satisfy the financial eligibility requirement, although other NSFAS conditions may still apply.
NSFAS also provides a student loan funding option for certain students whose household income is above the traditional bursary threshold but still falls within the qualifying missing-middle category.
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding for 2027
The NSFAS application process is completed online through the official myNSFAS portal.
You can apply using a cellphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official NSFAS website and open the myNSFAS portal.
- Select the option to create a myNSFAS account if you do not already have one.
- Enter your correct South African ID number, cellphone number and email address.
- Create a secure password for your account.
- Log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Select the option to apply for 2027 funding.
- Complete all the required personal and household information.
- Provide parent, guardian or spouse information where applicable.
- Complete the required consent process.
- Upload all supporting documents requested by NSFAS.
- Carefully review your application.
- Submit the application.
- Save your NSFAS application reference number.
Make sure all the details you provide are accurate because incorrect personal information can delay the assessment of your application.
Documents Needed for NSFAS Applications 2027
Not every applicant will be required to upload the same documents.
The documents required will depend on your circumstances and the information NSFAS is able to verify electronically.
Applicants may be asked to provide documents such as:
- A completed NSFAS consent form
- Parent or guardian information
- Proof of income where required
- Supporting documents relating to disability
- Supporting documents for orphaned or vulnerable applicants
- Other documents requested through the myNSFAS portal
Applicants should only upload clear and readable documents.
Documents containing incomplete information, missing signatures, blurry pages or information that does not match the applicant’s details may be rejected or returned for correction.
How Much Must Your Household Earn to Qualify?
The household income requirement depends on the type of funding you are applying for.
For standard NSFAS bursary funding, the general household income threshold is:
R350,000 or less per year.
For applicants living with disabilities, the household income threshold can be:
R600,000 or less per year.
Meeting the income requirement does not automatically guarantee funding. Applicants must also comply with the other applicable NSFAS academic and eligibility requirements.
What Does NSFAS Pay For?
NSFAS financial assistance can help qualifying students cover some of the major costs associated with studying at a public university or TVET college.
Depending on the institution, qualification, accommodation arrangements and applicable funding rules, NSFAS support may include:
- Tuition fees
- Registration costs
- Accommodation
- Transport allowances
- Learning materials
- Book allowances
- Personal-care allowances
The exact allowances available to a student will depend on the NSFAS funding rules applicable to the 2027 academic year.
Can You Apply for NSFAS Before Being Accepted at University?
Yes.
Prospective students should not wait until they receive their final university or TVET college acceptance before submitting their NSFAS application.
You should apply separately to the university or TVET college where you want to study and also complete your NSFAS application.
Submitting an NSFAS application does not mean you have automatically been accepted by an institution.
Similarly, being accepted at a university or college does not automatically mean NSFAS will fund your studies.
Both processes have their own eligibility requirements.
How to Track Your NSFAS Application Status
After submitting your application, regularly log in to your myNSFAS account to monitor your application status.
Your status may change several times while NSFAS verifies your information.
If NSFAS requests additional documents or information, submit them as quickly as possible.
Applicants should also ensure that their cellphone number and email address remain active because NSFAS may use these contact details to communicate important information.
Important NSFAS Application Tips
Before submitting your application, make sure you:
- Enter the correct South African ID number.
- Check the spelling of your names.
- Use an active cellphone number.
- Use an email address you can access.
- Submit accurate household information.
- Upload clear supporting documents.
- Complete and sign forms where required.
- Keep your myNSFAS password private.
- Save your application reference number.
Most importantly, do not pay anyone to submit an NSFAS application for you.
NSFAS applications are free.
Beware of NSFAS Scams
Students should be careful of individuals or social media accounts claiming they can guarantee NSFAS funding in exchange for money.
Nobody can guarantee that your NSFAS application will be approved.
You should never give another person your password, banking PIN or one-time password.
Use official NSFAS platforms when submitting or checking your application.
NSFAS 2027 Closing Date
The announced closing date for the 2027 NSFAS application cycle is:
18 November 2026
Students should avoid waiting until the deadline.
Applying early gives you time to fix errors, provide missing documents and respond to any additional information requested by NSFAS.
NSFAS Contact Details
Applicants who need assistance can contact NSFAS through its official support channels.
NSFAS Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Applicants can also access their application information through the official myNSFAS portal.
Final Reminder
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year are open, and eligible students planning to study at South African public universities or TVET colleges should submit their applications as early as possible.
The application process is free and can be completed online through myNSFAS.
Before applying, prepare the information and supporting documents you may need, check that your contact details are correct and carefully review your application before submitting it.
Once your application has been submitted, keep your reference number and continue checking your myNSFAS account for updates.
