2026 NSFAS Application step by step guide

The NSFAS application process for 2026 is now open! If you are planning to study at a public university or TVET college and need financial support, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most important funding sources for South African students from low- and middle-income households.

For many students, paying for tuition, registration fees, accommodation, and learning materials can be a major challenge. NSFAS funding provides a lifeline by covering these essential costs, giving students the opportunity to focus on their studies without the burden of financial stress.

To help you navigate the process, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — from eligibility and required documents to how to apply online.

What Is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government bursary and loan program that helps South African students pay for higher education at public institutions. NSFAS covers tuition fees, registration costs, accommodation, transport, and learning materials for qualifying students.

The scheme supports:

• Students from households earning R350,000 or less per year (for bursaries)

• Students with disabilities from households earning up to R600,000 per year

• Students from “missing middle” households (R350,001 – R600,000) may qualify for the new NSFAS loan scheme

When to Apply for NSFAS 2026

The NSFAS 2026 application period opened in September 2025 and will close on 15 November 2025.
No late applications will be accepted, so make sure to submit all your details and documents before the deadline.

It’s highly recommended that you apply as early as possible — last-minute submissions often face upload errors, document verification delays, or portal traffic issues. Early applications give you the best chance of receiving timely feedback before registration opens in 2026.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for NSFAS 2026

Follow these steps carefully to complete your NSFAS application successfully.

Step 1: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Before you apply, make sure you have clear, certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following documents:

Mandatory Documents:

• Your South African ID (or birth certificate if under 16)

• IDs of parents, guardians, or spouse

• Proof of income for parents or guardians (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA letter)

• Consent form signed by parents/guardians (available on the NSFAS website)

• Latest academic results or matric certificate

• Proof of disability, if applicable (Annexure A form)

Additional Documents (if applicable):

• Death certificates of deceased parents

• Divorce decree or affidavit (if parents are divorced/separated)

• Proof of unemployment for parents/guardians (affidavit)

Tip: Use a scanner or scanning app to make sure your documents are clear. Blurry or incomplete uploads can cause rejections or delays.

Step 2: Create or Log In to Your myNSFAS Account

1. Visit the official portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za

2. Click “Create Account” if you’re a new user.

3. Fill in your personal details (ID number, name, email, and cellphone number).

4. Create a secure password and confirm your email through the verification link sent by NSFAS.

5. If you’ve applied before, simply log in using your existing credentials.

Step 3: Start Your Application

Once logged in:

1. Click the “Apply” tab.

2. Fill in all required sections:

   • Personal information

   • Educational details

   • Household details and income

   • Institution and course you plan to study

3. Check that all details are accurate before moving to the next step.

Important: Incorrect information (like mismatched ID numbers or household income) can delay your application.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

1. In the “Supporting Documents” section, upload your certified files.

2. Make sure each document:

   • Is correctly labelled (e.g., “ParentID_JohnDoe.pdf”)

   • Is less than 5MB per file

   • Has your ID number written on each page

3. Review all uploads before submitting.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

• Once everything is complete, click “Submit.”

• Wait for the system to confirm submission and generate a reference number.

• Save your confirmation email or take a screenshot — this serves as proof that your application went through successfully.

Step 6: Track Your Application Status

After submitting, log in to your myNSFAS account regularly to track progress.
Your application status may show different stages such as:

• Submitted – Your application was received

• Validation – NSFAS is checking your details with Home Affairs and SASSA

• Funding Eligibility – NSFAS is verifying your income

• Awaiting Academic Results – Checking your marks

• Approved – You’ve been successfully funded

• Rejected – Your application was unsuccessful

If any documents are missing or need re-uploading, NSFAS will notify you through your myNSFAS account or SMS.

Watch the Official NSFAS Application Video

To help you better understand the process, NSFAS has shared a step-by-step application video on X (formerly Twitter).

👉 Watch here: https://x.com/i/status/1976684955188248785
👉 Official NSFAS Post: https://x.com/myNSFAS/status/1976684955188248785

The video provides a visual walk-through of the online application steps and is a great way to make sure you complete everything correctly.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding in 2026

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident

• Be enrolled or planning to enrol at a public university or TVET college

• Have a household income of R350,000 or less per year

• Be a SASSA grant recipient (automatic financial eligibility)

• Meet the academic eligibility requirements (pass mark or academic progression)

• For students with disabilities: household income should not exceed R600,000 per year

Also check: NSFAS 2026: Documents You Need Before Applying

What Does NSFAS Cover?

If approved, NSFAS pays your registration and tuition fees directly to your university or college.
You may also receive these allowances:

(Allowances vary slightly by institution.)

Common NSFAS Application Problems (and Solutions)