2026 Nsfas Applications How to Apply

By | August 18, 2020

The 2026 NSFAS applications  are officially open! If you are looking to study at a South African University or TVET College in 2026 and require financial assistance, then this could definitely be an option for you. 

NSFAS funding comes in the form of a bursary and is only payable once you have a secured job after you finish your studies. It will cover the entire duration of your studies as long as pass the modules and complete the academic requirements.

Application Dates

  • Opening date: 1st August 2026
  • Closing date: 30th November 2026

Requirements to apply

  • A South African citizen with a valid South Africa ID (unfortunately no foreign students may apply)
  • Your combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum
  • If you are disabled, then your household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum
  • You need to have passed grade 12 at a secondary institution for both university and Tvet funding

What will the funding cover

  • Registeration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Allowance for food
  • Allowance for personal care
  • Learning materials
  • Accommodation (if necessary)
  • Travel (if necessary)

What you will need to submit your application

  • Copy of your ID or birth certificate
  • ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse
  • Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 or your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income. (NOTE: If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required)
  • If you are disabled you must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
  • If you are recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form

Other required documents if applicable:

  • Retrenchment letter
  • Death certificate/s
  • Divorce decree

* Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, none of the documents are to required to be certified.

How do I apply

  • Follow this link here
  • Click on register
  • Tick the acceptance option to verify and validate the information you provide
  • Type in your ID number as per your ID document
  • Type in your name and surname as per your ID Document
  • Type in your email address and cellphone number (Please note that your email will become your username)
  • Create a password and confirm your password
  • Upload a copy of your ID
  • Click on the register button
  • A One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided
  • Type in the OTP in the tab provided and click submit
  • You will then receive another SMS and email confirming that your myNSFAS account has been created
  • You must now proceed with fill out your application and providing the necessary supporting documentation
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If you still have further questions, please visit the NSFAS FAQ for more information here.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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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).
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📚 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:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. 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.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. 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.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. 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:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 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.