If you want to visit an NSFAS centre but need to know, “what time does the NSFAS office open”? Please continue reading for first-hand information.
Depending on your area, most offices are open for business from 08:30 am until 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Are The NSFAS Offices Open?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many students were concerned about whether the offices were open. Fortunately, since the country has moved beyond the pandemic regulations and controls, all the NSFAS offices are in operation and accepting applications for the 2026 academic year.
NSFAS Working Hours and Days
The NSFAS offices are open from Monday to Friday from 08:30 am to 5 pm.
Is the NSFAS call centre open?
All NSFAS call centres are open for business, and you can contact them at 08000 67327. Alternatively, you can find the physical addresses of all offices on the NSFAS website here.
You can reach the NSFAS contact centre virtually via email at: info@nsfas.org.za.
What Time Does the NSFAS Call Centre Close?
The call centre or contact centre closes at 5pm. However, if you use the email address info@nsfas.org.za after office hours, the staff will receive your email the following day.
Is NSFAS open for walk-ins?
Yes, the centre staff is ready to support walk-in students. As mentioned, you can access the list of addresses on the NSFAS website.
The main cities and towns in the country all have centres where you can find support with your application or related matters and facilities you can use to complete the online application.
Here is a brief list of the main area NSFAS Application Centres:
- 2nd Floor, FNB Building, Oxford Street, East London, Eastern Cape
- Mission Location, Butterworth, Butterworth, Eastern Cape
- GF Shop 125, Sanlam Plaza, Cnr Maitland and East Burger Street, Bloemfontein, Free State
- 6th floor, 28 Harrison Street, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Please consult the online list for more options in your area.
The centres are maintained in conjunction with the NYDA (National Youth Development Agency). A board selected by President Ramaphosa manages this agency, and its primary objective is to address unemployment in the country.
Apart from supporting the NSFAS logistically, The NYDA has three main areas of work for improvements for the South African youth.
NYDA Business Management Training
1. GENERATE YOUR BUSINESS IDEA – GYBI. In this course, young entrepreneurs learn to develop sustainable business ideas.
2. START YOUR BUSINESS – SYB. Young people can learn how to create a business plan that banks will take seriously.
3. IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS – IYB. Existing small business owners and entrepreneurs can learn how to improve and develop their businesses in this course.
How Can I Contact the NSFAS Fast
The best way to contact the NSFAS quickly would be to use the toll-free number: 08 000 67327
The NSFAS Facebook page is exceedingly helpful. Social media is the ideal place to discover the ‘word on the street’ about NSFAS and the application process.
The NSFAS uses its Facebook community to warn students about fraudulent activities, which is sadly always present where funding is concerned. You can also keep up to date with the latest notifications from NSFAS regarding technology, the latest news, tutorials and advice.
The other NSFAS channels are:
Twitter: @myNSFAS Instagram: @myNSFAS As a reminder, if you feel better talking to someone, you can use the NSFAS toll-free number: 08 000 67327
Please note that the NSFAS does not have a WhatsApp number.
Conclusion
As with all things, preparation is vital. Preparing well and ensuring you are ready before attempting to complete your online application at one of the available centres is always advisable. Many resources are available for youngsters who are prepared to take the responsibility to get ahead in life.
Go through as many YouTube videos, NSFAS tutorials, and requirement lists as possible before you begin applying. Make sure you understand what supporting documents will be required. Where possible, download and print the forms you need from NSFAS before submitting your online application. You want to be ready to upload all your documents properly before clicking ‘submit’ on your application. It makes your life and the evaluator’s that much easier and stress-free.
If you don’t have a smartphone or computer at home, always try to arrive early when you visit the application centre. With so many students applying, you’ll want to be among the first to arrive so you can complete your application without stress or rush.
Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. As of 22 October 2026, this application window is open. See the official NSFAS application guidance.
