VerifiedNo. Continuing students do not reapply to NSFAS every year. NSFAS’s 2026 policy says continuing students do not need to reapply annually. Instead, your funding continues as long as you register each year, meet the academic progression rules and remain eligible. What you do each year is register at your institution and accept your NSFAS bursary agreement.
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What happens every year
- You register at your college or university.
- Your institution uploads your registration data to NSFAS.
- NSFAS checks that you still meet the funding rules, including academic progress.
- You receive a new NSFAS bursary agreement, which is treated as accepted once issued and you benefit from it, unless you reject it.
When you must apply again
| Situation | Why |
|---|---|
| You move from a TVET college to a university, or the other way round | A change of institution type needs a new application |
| You dropped out or deregistered and want to return | You reapply in the normal application period |
| You were approved but did not register within a year | The approval lapses |
| You move from a certificate to an undergraduate qualification at university | A new step on the funding pathway |
NSFAS can reassess your eligibility each term and withdraw funding if you no longer qualify, for example if you get a full bursary from another funder.
Related: how many years NSFAS funds and do I have to apply every year?. Source: NSFAS’s 2026 eligibility criteria and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do NSFAS students reapply every year?
No. Continuing students do not need to reapply annually, provided they stay eligible and registered.
Do I reapply for NSFAS if I move from TVET to university?
Yes. You must reapply, and you must have completed your TVET qualification.