The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year. Eligible South African students who wish to study at a public university or TVET college are encouraged to apply for funding before the closing date.
NSFAS Application Opening and Closing Dates for 2026
- Applications Open: 17 September 2025
- Applications Close: 15 November 2025
Students are urged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute delays or technical issues. Late applications will not be accepted, so it’s important to complete your online application before the closing date.
About NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded initiative that provides financial assistance to qualifying South African students from poor and working-class backgrounds. NSFAS covers key study-related costs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
- Transport
- Meals and allowances
The funding aims to ensure that deserving students can access higher education without financial barriers.
Who Can Apply for NSFAS 2026
You can apply for NSFAS if you:
- Are a South African citizen.
- Plan to study at a public university or TVET college in 2026.
- Come from a household with an annual income of R350,000 or less.
- Are a person with a disability (household income must not exceed R600,000 per year).
- Are already enrolled at a public institution but not currently funded by NSFAS.
How to Apply
Follow these simple steps to apply online:
- Go to the official NSFAS website: https://my.nsfas.org.za/
- Create a myNSFAS account (if you don’t have one).
- Log in and click on “Apply”.
- Fill in all the required personal and academic details.
- Upload all required supporting documents (ID, proof of income, etc.).
- Submit your application and keep your reference number for future tracking.
Important Tips
- Ensure that all information and documents are accurate before submission.
- Use a valid cellphone number and email address for NSFAS to contact you.
- Track your application status regularly at https://my.nsfas.org.za/.
The post NSFAS Application Dates for 2026 – Apply before 15 November 2025 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.
