Official Deadline For 2026 NSFAS Applications

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has called on all learners, who have not yet applied for 2026 financial aid, to submit their online applications before the closing date.

Applying for NSFAS for the 2026 academic year is not just a formality, meeting the deadline and submitting a well-prepared application can determine whether you are funded or left to cover costs yourself. Given the competition and process involved, early submission is your best strategy.
Be sure to monitor official NSFAS announcements (via their website and social media) in case of any changes to deadlines or requirements.

Deadline looms for 2026 NSFAS applications

NSFAS is a South African government-funded scheme (under the Department of Higher Education and Training) that provides financial aid (bursary/loan) to eligible students at public universities or public TVET colleges. 
For students planning to enrol in the 2026 academic year, applying early for NSFAS is critical — it’s often the primary (or only) way to secure funding for tuition, registration, materials and other allowances.

Opening & closing dates for the 2026 cycle

Opening

• The application process for NSFAS 2026 was officially launched on 16 September 2025, according to a statement by the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

• Some sources indicate that applications open around 1 September 2025.

Deadline

• One source states that the deadline for the 2026 application is 15 November 2025.

• Other sources (more general) say applications “normally open 1 September and close 30 November” the year before registration.

• Because there are multiple versions circulating, you should verify on the official NSFAS website for the most up-to-date closing date.

Bottom line: For the 2026 intake you should assume the closing date is somewhere between mid-November 2025 and end of November 2025, unless officially extended. Missing the deadline may mean no consideration for funding.

What the “deadline” means & why meeting it is important

• The deadline is the final time by which your complete application (form + supporting documents) must be submitted through the myNSFAS portal.

• After the closing date, late applications are typically not accepted.

• If you apply early, you reduce the risk of system overload, missing documents, or delays in verification.

• Applying ahead of time allows your institution (university or TVET) and NSFAS enough lead-time to fund your registration and other allowances ahead of the academic year.

Who should apply for 2026?

You should apply if you meet these broad criteria:

• You are a South African citizen or permanent resident and you intend to study at a public university or public TVET college in 2026.

• You and/or your household meet the financial eligibility criteria (see next section).

• You haven’t already completed a qualification (for a first-time funding).

• You are not already fully funded elsewhere (in a way that disqualifies you).

If you don’t apply (or miss the deadline), you may still enrol at an institution — but you might be responsible personally for all fees/tuition and you risk losing priority for allowances and bursary coverage.

Financial eligibility & other key eligibility points

Financial eligibility

• For most applicants: Combined household income ≤ R350,000 per annum.

• For persons with disabilities: Combined household income may be capped higher (e.g., ≤ R600,000) in specific cases.

• If you or your parents/guardians receive a SASSA grant, this automatically qualifies you in the financial-eligibility part.

Other eligibility factors

• You must be studying towards a qualification that is accredited/approved by SAQA and DHET.

• You should apply for your first undergraduate qualification, unless special provisions apply. Students seeking a second undergraduate qualification may be excluded.

• The institution must be public. Private institutions generally do not qualify under NSFAS.

Application process & preparing ahead of the deadline

Here are the main steps and preparatory actions:

Steps

1. Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and create a myNSFAS account/profile.

2. In your myNSFAS account, select “Apply for funding” for the 2026 academic year.

3. Complete all required fields: personal details, parent/guardian/spouse details, household income, qualification and institution details.

4. Upload required supporting documents (see below).

5. Submit the application before closing date and obtain your application reference number.

6. Track your application status through your myNSFAS portal (statuses like Submitted → Under Review → Approved/Rejected).

Documents to prepare in advance

• Your South African ID or birth certificate.

• Certified copy of parent(s)/guardian(s)/spouse ID (as applicable).

• Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit for unemployed, SASSA grant receipt, etc.).

• If you have a disability: certified medical report + Disability Annexure form.

• If you’re an orphan or vulnerable child: Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration form.

• Academic records/matric certificate or equivalent.

• Consent form (NSFAS may verify data via SARS, credit bureau, etc).

Tips for before the deadline

• Create or update your myNSFAS account now so you’re ready when portal opens.

• Gather all documents early — avoid last-minute scanning/uploading.

• Use a reliable internet connection to avoid submission problems near the closing date.

• Keep photographic/scan copies of your documents and ensure they are clear.

• Monitor your email and the myNSFAS portal for any requests for more information or missing documents.

• Apply to your institution (university/TVET) as well — being funded by NSFAS is one piece; you also need admission/registration.

After submission: what happens & the timeline

Review & verification

• Once you submit, the application status will change through stages (Submitted → In Progress → Verification → Assessed for financial/academic eligibility).

• NSFAS may verify declared income via SARS, credit-bureau data, other sources.

• If documents are missing, you will be asked to upload them; you may risk “Case closed” if docs not provided in time.

Outcome & funding

• If approved, your funding will be provisionally awarded, subject to registration at your institution.

• Once you register at the institution, NSFAS will pay the tuition/fees directly to the institution, and you may receive allowances (living/transport/accommodation) depending on eligibility.

• If your application is rejected, you may have a right to appeal (depending on the reasons).

Key deadlines for you to mark (2026 cycle)

Strong recommendation: Don’t wait until the last day. Submit as early as possible.

Consequences of missing the deadline

• If your application is submitted after the closing date, it’s very likely that it won’t be considered.

• If you miss NSFAS funding, you may need to self-fund your studies or seek alternative bursaries/loans.

• Late submission may result in delayed registration or blocked access to allowances (which can affect accommodation, books, etc).

• For TVETs/universities with limited funding/distributed earlier, late applications may mean fewer funds available.

Special considerations for African students or students from lower-income households

• Although NSFAS is only for South African citizens/permanent residents, many of the eligibility and documentation tips also apply to other bursaries or funding schemes you may be using.

• If your household income is variable (for example parents/guardians unemployed or informal income) gather as much proof or affidavit as possible.

• If you live rurally, ensure you have access to internet/scan facilities for uploading documents early.

• Try to apply to more than one institution (university and TVET) to increase your chances, while tracking your NSFAS application.

Checklist for your application (for the 2026 intake)

• Create/verify your myNSFAS account.

• Gather certified ID copies (you, parents/guardians/spouse as applicable).

• Gather proof of income or unemployment status of household.

• If applicable: prepare disability medical report, orphan/vulnerable child form.

• Confirm your institution (university or TVET) and qualification you wish to study in 2026.

• Complete online application well before the deadline.

• Upload all documents and receive your application reference number.

• Log in regularly to check status and respond to any document requests.

• Once approved: register at your institution and ensure NSFAS funding is activated.

• Keep all communication (emails, portal screenshots) for your records.