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NSFAS: Applications, Requirements, Funding & Status

NSFAS provides financial assistance to eligible South African students who study or intend to study at public universities and TVET colleges. Funding can cover approved study-related costs, subject to the applicable NSFAS rules and funding conditions.

This guide explains the NSFAS application process, requirements, funding, allowances, supporting documents, application status, appeals and other important information for students.

WHAT IS NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government student funding scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible students studying at public universities and TVET colleges.

NSFAS funding is subject to eligibility, financial and academic requirements, as well as the funding rules applicable to the student’s institution, qualification and circumstances.

For a more detailed explanation of the bursary component of NSFAS, see our NSFAS Bursary guide.

NSFAS 2027 APPLICATIONS

NSFAS 2027 APPLICATION STATUS: OPEN

  • Applications opened: 18 September 2026
  • Applications close: 31 October 2026
  • Application fee: Free
  • Application method: Online through myNSFAS
  • Late applications: Not accepted
  • Last verified: September 2026

Students should submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all required information and supporting documents are provided.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR NSFAS FUNDING?

NSFAS eligibility depends on factors including citizenship or residency status, household income, the institution and qualification being pursued, and applicable academic requirements.

  • South African citizens and eligible permanent residents may qualify for NSFAS funding.
  • The applicant must study or intend to study at an eligible public university or TVET college.
  • For the NSFAS bursary, the general household income threshold is R350,000 per year or less.
  • The household income threshold for persons with disabilities is R600,000 per year or less.
  • Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirement, subject to the other NSFAS requirements.

WHO DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR NSFAS?

An applicant may not qualify where they do not meet the NSFAS financial, academic, citizenship, institution or qualification requirements.

NSFAS may also decline funding where a student’s qualification is not funded, where applicable funding-duration rules have been exceeded, or where another NSFAS eligibility condition has not been met.

WHAT DOES NSFAS FUND?

NSFAS funding can include approved costs associated with studying at an eligible public university or TVET college. The specific funding provided depends on the student’s institution, qualification, living circumstances and the applicable NSFAS rules for the academic year.

Funding may include tuition and registration as well as approved allowances for eligible study and living expenses.

NSFAS ALLOWANCES

Eligible NSFAS-funded students may receive allowances for approved expenses in addition to their tuition and registration funding. The allowances and amounts can differ according to the institution, study situation and applicable funding rules.

NSFAS has also introduced the NSFAS Mastercard system for certain student payments. For more information about how the card works, see our NSFAS Mastercard guide.

NSFAS UNIVERSITY FUNDING

NSFAS provides funding to eligible students studying at approved South African public universities. The student’s qualification must fall within the qualifications funded by NSFAS and the student must satisfy the applicable financial and academic requirements.

University students should also check their institution’s NSFAS processes because some administrative steps, including registration and accommodation-related processes, may involve the institution.

NSFAS TVET COLLEGE FUNDING

NSFAS also provides funding to eligible students at approved TVET colleges. Funding is subject to the applicable programme, institution, financial and academic requirements.

HOW TO APPLY FOR NSFAS

  1. Create or access your myNSFAS account.
  2. Complete the NSFAS application.
  3. Provide the required personal, household and study information.
  4. Upload the required supporting documents.
  5. Submit the application.
  6. Track your application status through myNSFAS.

Applicants should make sure that the information supplied on the application is accurate and that required documents are uploaded before submitting the application.

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR NSFAS?

NSFAS may require supporting documents to verify an applicant’s identity, household circumstances, income and other information relevant to the application.

The documents required can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances. Applicants should use the current NSFAS application requirements to determine which documents they need to provide.

If you already have the required documents and need help submitting them, read our step-by-step guide on How to Upload Documents to NSFAS.

The NSFAS Consent Form authorises NSFAS to obtain and verify information required to assess an applicant’s eligibility for student funding.

The consent process is an important part of the application because NSFAS needs to verify information supplied by applicants and their households.

For detailed information about the consent process and the SARS-related documentation that may be required, see our guide to the SARS Consent Form for NSFAS.

The applicant and relevant household members must provide the consent required by NSFAS for the verification of financial and personal information, where applicable.

Without the required consent, NSFAS may not be able to verify information needed to assess the application.

WHAT IS THE NSFAS DECLARATION FORM?

The NSFAS Declaration Form is used in circumstances where NSFAS requires an applicant to provide a formal declaration relating to information supplied as part of the funding application.

WHO NEEDS TO COMPLETE THE NSFAS DECLARATION FORM?

Applicants should follow the current NSFAS instructions to determine whether a Declaration Form applies to their circumstances.

WHY IS THE NSFAS DECLARATION FORM IMPORTANT?

The declaration helps NSFAS establish that information supplied by the applicant is accurate and that the applicant understands the information being declared.

NSFAS FUNDING FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Students with disabilities may qualify for NSFAS funding under different financial and support provisions applicable to their circumstances. The household income threshold for persons with disabilities is R600,000 per year or less.

Applicants should provide the disability-related documentation requested by NSFAS so that their circumstances can be assessed correctly.

NSFAS FUNDING FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE STUDENTS

NSFAS has provisions for applicants who are orphans or vulnerable children. Applicants in these circumstances may need to provide supporting documentation to verify their status.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR NSFAS STATUS

Applicants can track their NSFAS application through their myNSFAS account. The status shown on the account indicates the stage or outcome of the application.

Students who have been asked to provide or update banking information should follow the current NSFAS instructions. Our guide on How to Submit Bank Details to NSFAS explains the process in more detail.

WHAT DO NSFAS APPLICATION STATUSES MEAN?

NSFAS application statuses can change as the application moves through different stages of verification, assessment and funding.

A status may indicate that an application is still being processed, that additional information or documents are required, that the application has been approved, or that the application has been unsuccessful.

WHAT IF MY NSFAS APPLICATION IS REJECTED?

If an NSFAS application is unsuccessful, the applicant should check the stated reason for the decision. Some unsuccessful decisions may be appealed, while others are not appealable under the applicable NSFAS rules.

HOW DO NSFAS APPEALS WORK?

An NSFAS appeal is a request for the funding decision to be reconsidered. Where an appeal is permitted, NSFAS states that it should generally be submitted within 30 days after the unsuccessful determination.

Not every rejection can be appealed. Restrictions can apply to circumstances such as an unfunded qualification and certain funding-duration or academic eligibility decisions.

DO RETURNING NSFAS STUDENTS NEED TO APPLY AGAIN?

Returning students should follow the current NSFAS instructions for their funding status and institution. Students who remain eligible may continue to receive funding subject to the applicable academic progression and funding-duration rules.

WHAT ARE THE NSFAS ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS?

NSFAS funding is subject to academic progression requirements. Students must meet the applicable academic progression standards to continue receiving funding.

NSFAS also applies funding-duration rules, including the N+1 rule for the bursary scheme, subject to the applicable exceptions and circumstances.

DOES NSFAS FUND PRIVATE COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES?

NSFAS funding is intended for eligible public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS does not generally fund students studying at private higher education institutions through the NSFAS bursary scheme.

DOES NSFAS FUND POSTGRADUATE STUDIES?

NSFAS bursary funding is primarily associated with eligible undergraduate study. Students considering postgraduate study should check the current NSFAS rules and the funding options available for their particular qualification.

WHAT IS THE NSFAS STUDENT LOAN?

The NSFAS Student Loan is separate from the NSFAS bursary scheme. It is intended for eligible students whose household income falls within the applicable loan-income range and who meet the requirements for the loan.

The student loan has different eligibility and repayment conditions from NSFAS bursary funding. Applicants should therefore determine which form of NSFAS assistance applies to their circumstances.

HOW DO I AVOID NSFAS SCAMS?

NSFAS applications are free. Students should be cautious of anyone asking for payment in exchange for an NSFAS application, approval, faster processing or access to funding.

  • Use the official NSFAS website and myNSFAS platform.
  • Do not pay someone to submit an NSFAS application on your behalf.
  • Do not share passwords, PINs or sensitive account information with strangers.
  • Be cautious of social media messages promising guaranteed NSFAS approval.
  • Verify suspicious information through official NSFAS communication channels.

HOW DO I CONTACT NSFAS?

Students can contact NSFAS through its official communication channels for assistance with applications, funding and account-related matters.

  • Telephone: 08000 67327
  • Email: info@nsfas.org.za
  • WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
  • USSD: *120*67327#
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