NSFAS Online Application For 2026
The 2026 NSFAS online application window officially opens on 15 September 2025 and will close on 15 November 2025. Applying early ensures your funding is processed on time, avoiding last-minute delays when registering at your chosen institution. NSFAS funding is aimed at students from working-class and poor households.
NSFAS Closing Date 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Closing Date | 15 November |
NSFAS Application Requirements / Documents Needed
To apply successfully, you’ll need to upload certified copies of key documents. These include:
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Your South African ID document or birth certificate.
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IDs of parents, legal guardian, or spouse.
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Proof of income for parents/guardians (recent payslips, UIF letter, or affidavit if unemployed).
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Your most recent academic results or matric certificate.
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A signed consent form from household members whose income is declared.
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If you have a disability, a completed Disability Annexure A form.
Having these ready before starting your application will make the process much smoother.
NSFAS Eligibility Criteria South Africa
To qualify for NSFAS in 2026, you must meet the following conditions:
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Be a South African citizen.
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Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year.
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If you have a disability, your household income must not exceed R600,000 per year.
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Be accepted or intending to study at a public university or TVET college.
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Meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen institution.
How to Apply for NSFAS Step by Step
How to Apply for NSFAS Step by Step
Follow these steps to complete your application:
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Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
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Create a myNSFAS account with your ID number, email, and cellphone number
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Log in and select Apply
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Fill in your personal, academic, and household details
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Upload all the required documents (PDF or JPEG)
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Review and submit your application
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Keep checking your myNSFAS account for updates
⚠️ Important guidelines:
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Never share your login details
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Apply only through the official NSFAS website
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Applications are free – do not pay anyone to assist
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There is no “fast track” fee – all applications are processed equally
After submitting your application, the next step is tracking it through the NSFAS application status to avoid delays.
NSFAS Appeal Process 2026
If your application is rejected, you can submit an appeal through your myNSFAS account. The appeal window usually opens in February 2026, after funding decisions are released.
Steps to appeal:
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Log in to your myNSFAS account.
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Select “Submit Appeal.”
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State your reason for appeal (e.g., incorrect income assessment).
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Upload additional or corrected supporting documents.
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Submit and track your appeal online.
Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your rejection notice.
Who is not eligible for the NSFAS?
- You are presently enrolled in one course and have a second-course application pending.
- You and your family have lived in the same house for at least a year and earn more than R350000 annually. This means you can receive full financial aid for your undergraduate education.
All applicants must provide:
- Valid South African ID number of Applicant
- Valid South African ID number of parent(s), guardian or spouse.
- Income information where applicable.
Students with disabilities must provide:
- A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (available on the website)
Students -who has indicated no family members details must provide:
- An applicant who has indicated that s/he has no family member details must complete the NSFAS Declaration Form.
- Check the details about provisionally funded meaning.
Application Processing Time
when applying for financial aid in South Africa. Many students apply for NSFAS funds every year and don’t know how much time it takes to respond. That’s why they wait for a response. But don’t worry after the submission of the funding application NSFAS takes 4 to 6 weeks to respond to you. The processing time of the application may be longer if it’s the peak time of the year.
Why was i rejected by NSFAS?
A rejection usually means requirements weren’t met or documents had issues. Common reasons include:
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Late Application – NSFAS does not accept late submissions.
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Citizenship Issues – Only South African citizens and permanent residents qualify.
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Financial Ineligibility – Household income must be below R350,000 (or R600,000 for students with disabilities).
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Incomplete or Incorrect Documents – Missing, outdated, or wrong documents lead to rejection.
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Poor Academic Progress – Failing to meet minimum academic standards or being excluded by your institution disqualifies you.
What Does Awaiting Application Data Meaning?
Awaiting Application Data means NSFAS is waiting for information to process your application. Common reasons include:
- Incomplete Application: Missing or incorrect personal, academic, or financial details.
- Verification Pending: NSFAS needs to confirm information with institutions or verify income.
- Document Issues: Incorrect or unsupported document uploads can delay processing.
- System Delays: Temporary processing lags in the NSFAS system.
FAQs
Do I need to reapply for NSFAS every year?
It is optional for students to reapply for financing each year through the NSFAS. You won't have to reapply for financial help every year because you'll keep getting your allowances, and they'll cover your tuition for your studies.
How much time does NSFAS need to validate documents?
It may take NSFAS up to six weeks to verify your supplied documentation.
Are all international students welcome to apply?
No, only citizens of South Africa are eligible for the NSFAS stipend. And they are the only ones selected to receive funding from the program. Therefore, non-South African citizens and permanent residents are not eligible to apply for this award.
For how many years can NSFAS pay for my qualification?
NSFAS will provide funding for up to five years of your education. The National Science Foundation and its Associate's Program will fund your education for up to five years if you meet the minimum GPA requirements.
What is the passing rate requirement for NSFAS?
First-time NSFAS grant applicants must have a 50% or higher cumulative grade point average from the previous academic year. However, current NSFAS grantees must have maintained a 55% GPA or better in the most recent academic year to continue receiving their stipend.
Is NSFAS a bursary or a loan?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a student loan program. Once the students have returned the funds, NSFAS is allowed to collect them. Therefore, after completing their certification and earning at least R30,000 per year (via employment or the establishment of a business they own), they would be expected to initiate repaying.
The program provides students with access to cash loans to help defray higher education costs. The loan is intended to assist students in meeting the financial demands of higher education, including costs associated with attendance at college.
