The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for students seeking financial assistance for the 2027 academic year.
NSFAS Application Opening Date: 18 September 2026
NSFAS Application Closing Date: 18 November 2026
Application Method: Online through the myNSFAS portal
Important update: The information provided initially listed 31 October 2026 as the closing date. However, the official launch announcement by the Minister of Higher Education and Training on 18 September confirms that applications close on 18 November 2026.
NSFAS 2027 Applications Are Officially Open
Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year officially opened on 18 September 2026.
The funding opportunity is aimed at eligible students who intend to study, or are already studying, at South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS provides bursary and loan funding subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela officially launched the 2027 application cycle on 18 September and encouraged prospective students to submit their applications early rather than waiting until the closing date.
NSFAS 2027 Important Dates
Prospective applicants should take note of these important dates:
- Applications Open: 18 September 2026
- Applications Close: 18 November 2026
- Funding Outcomes: Successful applicants are expected to receive outcomes from December 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible so they have enough time to correct information or provide outstanding documents if required.
Who Can Apply for NSFAS in 2027?
NSFAS states that South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study or are already studying at a public university or TVET college can apply for financial assistance.
For bursary funding, the current published financial criteria include a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per year for non-SASSA applicants. Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial requirement, while the published threshold for applicants with disabilities is R600,000 or less per year.
NSFAS also provides a loan funding route for qualifying students, including some applicants in the so-called “missing middle.”
What You Need to Apply
Applicants should have their personal information and supporting documents ready before starting an application.
The exact documents required can differ depending on the applicant’s circumstances. The NSFAS application system generates the required documents based on the type of application.
NSFAS says applicants may be required to provide documents such as the signed consent form and, where applicable, the Declaration Form, Disability Assessment Questionnaire or Orphan and Vulnerable Child Form.
How to Apply for NSFAS 2027
Applications are completed online through the myNSFAS portal.
The basic application process is:
- Create your myNSFAS profile using your correct personal information.
- Log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Select APPLY.
- Complete all sections of the online application.
- Upload the supporting documents requested for your application.
- Check that your information and documents are correct.
- Submit your application.
- Continue checking your myNSFAS profile for updates.
These steps reflect the current application guidance published by NSFAS.
How to Apply
Click here to apply for NSFAS Funding 2027 on the myNSFAS Portal
Applicants who do not yet have an account can create a myNSFAS profile before completing the online funding application.
You can also visit the official NSFAS website for funding information, eligibility requirements and application updates.
You Must Also Apply to a University or TVET College
Applying for NSFAS funding does not automatically give you admission to a university or TVET college.
Prospective students must separately apply for admission to their chosen institution and programme. The Minister specifically reminded 2027 applicants that NSFAS eligibility does not guarantee a place to study. South Africa Government
Students should therefore complete both processes: apply for admission to a public university or TVET college and apply separately for NSFAS funding.
Improvements to NSFAS Applications for 2027
NSFAS has announced several changes intended to improve the 2027 funding cycle.
These include automated document verification, electronic document signing, stronger verification of student registration and banking details, improved data sharing with institutions and a modernised student-support environment. NSFAS is also working on improvements to appeals and its loan-management system.
Don’t Wait Until the Closing Date
Students planning to study in 2027 are encouraged to submit their NSFAS applications early.
Applying early provides additional time to check personal information, upload outstanding documentation and obtain assistance if problems arise during the application process.
The official closing date announced for the 2027 NSFAS application cycle is 18 November 2026.