Key facts
- Status
- Applications open Closes 31 October 2026
- Provider
- NSFAS
- Study level
- TVET / college
- Academic year
- 2027
- Last checked
- 22 September 2026
NSFAS applications for 2027 opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.
VerifiedOpen · closes 31 October 2026 · 36 days left Latest update ↓
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is the government’s main bursary for students from poor and working-class homes. It pays tuition and allowances at public universities and TVET colleges for students whose household income is below the qualifying limit.
About the NSFAS Bursary
- Funds approved programmes at public universities and public TVET colleges.
- Covers tuition and registration.
- Pays allowances for accommodation or transport, living costs and learning materials, depending on your situation.
NSFAS eligibility requirements
- South African citizen.
- Combined household income of no more than R350 000 a year.
- For students with a disability, household income of no more than R600 000 a year.
- SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement.
How to apply for NSFAS
- Go to the myNSFAS portal on nsfas.org.za and create an account with your ID number, cellphone number and email.
- Complete the application, choosing your intended institution type.
- Upload any documents requested, such as IDs, proof of income or death certificates, and track your status on the portal.
Closing date
31 October 2026, for 2027 funding, according to NSFAS’s website (the Minister’s launch speech said 18 November 2026). Applications opened on 18 September 2026.
Contact details
- NSFAS contact centre: 08000 67327
- Website: nsfas.org.za
See our guides on checking your NSFAS status and the NSFAS appeal process, and the Funza Lushaka bursary for teaching students.
FAQs
1. When do NSFAS applications open for 2027? +
NSFAS applications for 2027 opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Apply on myNSFAS or the official NSFAS app. Applying is free.
2. Who qualifies? +
South African citizens with a combined household income of no more than R350 000 a year, or R600 000 for students with a disability, studying or planning to study at a public university or TVET college. SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial test.
3. What does NSFAS cover? +
Tuition and registration at public institutions, plus allowances for accommodation or transport, living costs and learning materials, depending on your institution and where you live.
4. How do I apply? +
Online on the myNSFAS portal at nsfas.org.za. Create an account with your ID number, cellphone number and email, then complete the application and upload any documents requested.
5. What documents might I need? +
Your ID, and where relevant your parents' or guardian's IDs, proof of income, death certificates, a disability form, or a vulnerable child declaration.
6. Does NSFAS fund private colleges? +
No. NSFAS funds only approved programmes at public universities and public TVET colleges.
Update note (checked September 2026): NSFAS’s website says 2027 applications close on 31 October 2026; the Minister’s launch speech gave 18 November 2026, so apply by 31 October to be safe. Source: nsfas.org.za.
Checked the requirements and closing date? Apply directly with the provider.
Apply on the provider’s website