NSFAS Funding Application 2026

By | January 3, 2024
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NSFAS has opened their 2026 funding Application for interested applicants to apply before the METRIC results are released.

CLOSING DATE: 7 January 2026

Funding is open for tertiary studies at public universities or TVET colleges in South Africa (it does NOT cover private institutions). Funding is available to students who are in need of financial assistance to start or continue with their studies.

When applying, students will be split into 5 separate cohorts, namely:
Cohort 1: First-Time Entering Student (FTEN) who is a SASSA beneficiary
Cohort 2: Returning Student, who is SASSA beneficiary
Cohort 3: First-Time Entering Student who is NOT a SASSA beneficiary
Cohort 4: Returning Student, who is NOT a SASSA beneficiary
Cohort 5: Student living with disability

Bursary Requirements on NSFAS Funding Application 2026:

  • You must be a South African citizen or a South African permanent resident
  • You must be studying or intend on studying a public tertiary institution within South Africa (University or TVET College)
  • You must fall in to 1 or more of these categories:
    • 1) You must be a SASSA grant recipient (excluding the SASSA COVID-19 grant)
    • 2) You must have a total combined household income is NOT more than R350 000 per annum
    • 3) You must be living with a disability AND have a total combined household income NOT more than R600 000 per annum

Bursary Coverage:

NSFAS funding will cover the following fees:

  • registration fees,
  • tuition fees,
  • study material expenses,
  • food allowance,
  • incidental/ personal care,
  • as well as accommodation or transport.

Students living with disabilities will also receive Assistive Devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, adapted laptops, etc.) and Human Support (careers, scribes, tutors, sign language interpreters, etc.). The cover amount will be reviewed by NSFAS each year.

Method of Application:

Applications can be done in either of the following ways:

1) Online:
Visit the official NSFAS website
Navigate to the myNSFAS tab
Select the Register an account tab
Upload your supporting documents (per the list below) and then click “submit”
After submitting your application, you will receive a reference number on the screen – it will also be sent to your email address and cellphone number – keep a note of this reference number.

2) In person at your nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) or Thusong Centre.
You will need to have copies of the supporting documents below with you when applying.
 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR NSFAS APPLICATION

All applicants will be required to submit the following supporting documents when applying – please ensure that you have these documents ready before submitting your application (note that no applications will be accepted without these documents):

  • South African ID document (this can include any of the following):
    • copy of green ID document
    • temporary ID from the DHA
    • copy of both side of Smart ID card
    • unbridged birth certificate
  • Non-SASSA grant applicants: Parents, guardians or spouse ID documents (copies only)
  • Own, parents, guardians or spouse proof of income, if a non-SASSA applicant (this can include any of the following):
    • latest payslip if employed (not older 3 months)
    • UIF letter
    • employment letter
    • retrenchment letter, if a non-SASSA applicant
  • Students with disabilities: complete and sign the Disability Annexure A Form (.pdf)
  • Students who are recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development: complete and sign the Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (.pdf)
See also  Rhodes University Entry requirements 2026

WHICH INSTITUTIONS DOES NSFAS ACCEPT?

Students who are studying (or will be studying) at any of these 25 public universities or 50 TVET Colleges, in 2026, may apply:
Universities:

  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • Monash University
  • Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
  • North West University
  • Rhodes University
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Fort Hare
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Kwazulu Natal
  • University of Limpopo
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of South Africa
  • University of the Free State
  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of the Witwatersrand
  • University of Zululand
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Walter Sisulu University

TVET Colleges:

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  • Boland College
  • Buffalo City College
  • Capricorn College
  • Central Johannesburg College
  • Coastal KZN College
  • College of Cape Town
  • Eastcape Midlands College
  • Ehlanzeni College
  • Ekurhuleni East College
  • Elangemi College
  • Esayidi College
  • Ethekwini College
  • False Bay College
  • Gert Sibande College
  • Ikhala College
  • Ingwe College
  • King Hintsa College
  • King Sabata Dalindyebo College
  • Letaba College
  • Liphalale College
  • Lovedale College
  • Majuba College
  • Mnambithi College
  • Nkangala College
  • Northern Cape Rural College
  • Northern Cape Urban College
  • Northlink College
  • Orbit College
  • Port Elizabeth College
  • Sekhukhune College
  • South Cape College
  • South West Gauteng College
  • Tshwane North College
  • Tshwane South College
  • Umfolozi College
  • Umgungundlovu College
  • Vhembe College
  • Vuselela College
  • Waterberg College
  • West Coast College

Related Resources

🏦 NSFAS Applications NSFAS funding applications and student finance guides
📋 Online Applications Guide Comprehensive guides for online applications in South Africa
🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides

 

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.

See also  Walter Sisulu University ( WSU ) Nursing Intake 2026

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:

  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.

 

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