Time is running out to secure financial aid for 2027, and the deadline is fast approaching. NSFAS has already received over 51,000 applications in just four days, showing how many students are racing to claim their funding.
What is NSFAS 2027?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers bursaries and loans to South African citizens and permanent residents who want to study at a public university or public TVET college. The 2027 funding cycle opened on 18 September 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026. There will be no extension.
Who can apply?
To be eligible you must:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Plan to study an approved undergraduate programme at a qualifying public university or TVET college.
- Meet the financial requirement:
- If you receive a SASSA grant, you automatically qualify.
- If not, your combined gross household income must be R350 000 or less per year.
- Applicants with a disability may qualify with a household income up to R600 000 per year.
- Provide accurate personal, household and academic information.
Meeting the income test does not guarantee funding; you must also satisfy all other eligibility criteria and pass the verification process.
What does the funding cover?
A successful NSFAS bursary can pay for a range of study‑related costs:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Learning‑material allowance
- Living allowance
- Personal‑care allowance
- Transport support
- Accommodation (when applicable)
Students with disabilities may receive additional support such as assistive devices, repair costs, assessment fees and, for university students, human support. The exact package depends on the institution and your personal circumstances.
How to apply – step‑by‑step
- Visit the official NSFAS portal: Apply for NSFAS 2027.
- Create a myNSFAS account using your South African ID number, a personal mobile number and an active email address.
- Enter your personal details, household information, study plans and financial information.
- Upload all required documents (ID copy, proof of income, SASSA grant letter, disability certificates, etc.). Ensure each page is clear, fully visible and signed where required.
- Read and sign the consent form that allows NSFAS to verify your data with third‑party sources.
- Review every field, then click the final “Submit” button.
- Note the application reference number and keep it safe. You can track progress through your myNSFAS dashboard.
Tips to improve your chances
- Check that every uploaded document is legible – no blurry photos, dark images or missing corners.
- Make sure names and ID numbers match exactly across all files.
- Use a black or blue ballpoint pen for signatures; avoid pencils or correction fluid.
- Submit the most recent 2027 forms – never rely on old PDFs shared on WhatsApp.
- Apply early; waiting until the last week increases the risk of technical glitches.
- Do not pay anyone to “secure” your funding. The application is free.
- Apply for other bursaries or scholarships that match your field, province or academic record – you can compare offers later.
- If your household income is between R350 000 and R600 000, consider the NSFAS loan option, which covers tuition and material costs but must be repaid.
- Verify that the qualification and institution you choose are listed on NSFAS’s approved funding framework.
Important dates and deadlines
- Applications opened: 18 September 2026
- Applications close: 31 October 2026 (no extension)
- Funding year: 2027
- Eligible institutions: All public universities and public TVET colleges
Understanding application statuses
After submission, your application will move through several stages:
- Verification in progress: NSFAS checks your details with Home Affairs, SARS, SASSA, etc.
- Awaiting documents: Additional or clearer documents are required.
- Funding eligible: You meet the bursary criteria; final funding is confirmed once you register at an approved institution.
- Unsuccessful: You did not meet the criteria. An appeal may be possible during the advertised period.
Keep checking your myNSFAS account even after you see “Submitted”. Further action may be needed.
Next steps
Remember that a NSFAS application does not guarantee admission to a university or TVET college. You must still apply directly to the institution of your choice and secure a place before you can receive funding.
Start by deciding on a career, then find the qualification and institution that lead to that goal. Submit your admission applications first, then complete the NSFAS application (and any other bursaries) before the 31 October deadline.
Keep a simple tracker with your admission reference numbers, NSFAS reference, important dates and a list of required documents. This will help you stay organised and avoid last‑minute stress.