NSFAS APPLICATION 2026 OPENS

Applications for students who wish to study at TVET colleges will open from the 09 January 2026 and close on 14 February 2026; and
Applications for students who wish to study at universities will open from 09 January 2026 and close on 20 January 2026.
PASS THE MESSAGE TO OTHERS
To all matriculants who are not sure where to apply and which institutions are open for admission use this information to check
Universities contact details
University of Cape Town
Tel: 021 650 2105/6
Fax: 021 650 5100
www.uct.ac.za
University of Fort Hare
Tel: 040 653 2312
Fax: 040 653 1338
www.ufh.ac.za
University of the Free State
Tel: 051 401 2114
Fax: 051 401 3669
www.ufs.ac.za
University of JohannesburgTel:
011 489 3000
Fax: 011 489 2260
www.uj.ac.za
University of KwaZulu- Natal
Tel: 031 260 2227
Fax: 031 262 2192
www.ukzn.ac.za
University of Limpopo
Tel: 015 268 2140
Fax: 015 267 0142
www.ul.ac.za
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Tel: 041 504 2075
Fax: 041 504 9211
www.nmmu.ac.za
North West University
Tel: 018 299 2601
Fax: 018 299 2603
www.nwu.ac.za
University of Pretoria
Tel: 012 420 4111
Fax: 012 420 4555
www.up.ac.za
Rhodes University
Tel: 046 603 8148
Fax: 046 622 8444
www.ru.ac.za
University of South Africa
Tel: 012 429 3111
Fax: 012 429 2565
www.unisa.ac.za
University of Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 808 4654/2721
Fax: 021 808 3714
www.us.ac.za
Walter Sisulu University for Technology
Tel: 047 502 2200
Fax: 047 502 2970
www.wsu.ac.za
University of Venda
Tel: 015 962 8000
Fax: 015 962 4742
www.univen.ac.za
University of the Western Cape
Tel: 021 959 2911
Fax: 021 959 2973
www.uwc.ac.za
University of the Witwatersrand
Tel: 011 717 1102/ 2050
Fax: 011 339 8215
www.wits.ac.za
University of Zululand
Tel: 035 902 6624
Fax: 035 902 6601
www.uzulu.ac.za
Universities of Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Tel: 021 460 3911
Fax: 021 460 3700
www.cput.ac.za
Central University of Technology
Bleomfointein Tel: 051 507 3911
Welkom Campus 057 910 3513
Fax: 051 507 3310
www.cut.ac.za
Durban University of Technology
Tel: 031 373 2411
Fax: 031 373 2011
www.dut.ac.za
Mangosuthu TechnikonTel: 031 907 7111
Fax: 031 906 5470
www.mantec.ac.za
Tshwane University of Technology
Tel: 012 382 5911
Fax: 012 382 5422
www.tut.ac.za
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionVaal University of Technology
Tel: 016 950 9214/5
Fax: 016 950 9800
www.vut.ac.za
Related Resources
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.