If you come from a poor background and intend to pursue higher education in 2026, you can consider the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The scheme provides successful students with the necessary funding for expenses like tuition, books, accommodation, food, and travel. New applicants must submit their applications for support during certain times of the year. In this article, we provide information you may need to know about the NSFAS application 2026 opening date as well as the closing date
2026 NSFAS Application Opening Date
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande, recently announced that the NSFAS application cycle opened on 1st September 2026. The scheme decided to open the application cycle early this year, unlike the previous year, to provide prospective students enough time to process their applications together with the required documents. In 2026, NSFAS had to extend the deadline to accommodate all aspiring applicants, a situation it wants to avoid in 2026.
NSFAS Application 2026 Closing Date
The NSFAS application closing date for 2026 is 21st January 2026. If you want to be considered for funding, you should not miss the deadline. It is a good idea to submit your application earlier to avoid the last-minute rush that can affect the outcome.
Is NSFAS closed for 2026?
NSFAS is open for the 2026 academic cycle, and it is inviting prospective students to submit their applications. The financial aid scheme is committed to providing equal opportunities regarding access to higher education among South Africans.
How do I apply for NSFAS 2026?
You can submit your application directly through the NSFAS website or hand in a manual application to NSFAS offices. To apply online, you need to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and these devices must be connected to the internet. You must first create and register your MyNSFAS profile on www.nsfas.org.za, which you will use as your account to submit your application, track progress, or check updates related to funding.
After creating your myNSFAS account, click on the “Apply” tab, and answer all the questions that appear on the screen. Then, check and verify your details, upload the required supporting documents, and click “Submit.”
NSFAS has also redesigned its onl ine application process by adding more channels to cater to the needs of various applicants. The new channels include USSD, a mobile App, and WhatsApp. You can use any of these to apply for NSFAS funding, track your application status
You need to download a form from the NSFAS website and print it for manual application. You can also visit your nearest application center, where you can get the application form. Complete the form using black ink and capital letters in the blocks provided. Write clearly, and don’t cancel anything. Your parent, guardian, or spouse must sign the consent form, and you need to attach certified copies of the required documents. Sign your completed application form and submit it to the office where you obtained it. You can also post the form to the following address: NSFAS Loans & Bursaries Department, Private Bag X4, Plumstead, 7801, or fax it to 086 644 2822. Alternatively, you can scan the completed documents and email them to apply@nsfas.org.za.
Before submitting your form, ensure you meet the following conditions to increase your chances of qualifying for an NSFAS bursary.
- You must be a South African citizen intending to study at a TVET College or public university.
- Your family’s combined household income is less than R350 000 per year
- People living with disabilities should have a combined household income of less than R600 000 per year
- You’re a recipient of the SASSA grant
- If you began your studies in 2018, your total household income should not be more than R122 000 per year.
Each application must have the following supporting documents.
- Copy of birth certificate, national ID, or passport
- Contact number and email address
- Copies of parent/guardian or spouse ID
- Parent/guardian or spouse’s proof of income (Not required for SASSA grant recipients)
- Applicants with disabilities must submit a signed and completed Disability Annexure A Form.
- Applicants regarded as vulnerable should submit a signed and completed Vulnerable Child Declaration Consent Form.
Once you qualify and start receiving NSFAS funding, you don’t need to reapply for the entire duration of your registered course. To continue enjoying NSFAS bursary, you should meet the academic requirements and maintain good performance.
Can I apply for NSFAS now?
NSFAS applications for 2026 are now open, so you can apply if you want. The closing date is 21 January 2026, which means you have close to four months to process your application. You should know that late applications will not be considered.
When did NSFAS close for 2026?
Initially, the NSFAS deadline was 07 January 2026, but it was extended to 31st January 2026. The extension was meant to accommodate students who could not submit their funding applications on time for various reasons.
If you are interested in getting an NSFAS bursary, you should know when the Financial Aid Scheme opens for applications. As you can see, the NSFAS application opening date is 1st September 2026, and the closing date is 31st January 2026. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline if you want to get support in your tertiary education beginning in 2026 going forward.
