When to Apply For NSFAS For 2026 Academic Intake

When to Apply For NSFAS For 2026 Academic Intake, What is the right time to apply for NSFAS for 2026

Are you planning to study at a South African university or TVET college in 2026 but worried about how to pay for your studies? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to eligible students by covering tuition, registration fees, and allowances for accommodation, transport, and study materials.

The NSFAS online application for the 2026 academic year is officially open from 15 September 2025 and will close on 15 November 2025. Students are encouraged to gather all required documents early to avoid last-minute delays. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a returning student, this complete guide will cover the NSFAS 2026 application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, and how to apply both online and manually.

When Will NSFAS Applications for 2026 Open?

The NSFAS 2026 application portal is officially open and activated. Students must apply online through the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za.

🔹 You will need a smart device (phone, tablet, or laptop) and a stable internet connection to apply online.
🔹 Due to high traffic on the first few days, students are advised to apply patiently and ensure their information is accurate before submission.

NSFAS 2026 Closing Date

The closing date for NSFAS 2026 applications is 15 November 2025.

After this deadline, the application portal will close, and late submissions will not be accepted. To increase your chances of approval, make sure your NSFAS 2026 application form and all required documents are submitted on time.

📅 NSFAS Application Dates 2026:

• Opening Date: 15 September 2025
• Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Documents Required for NSFAS Online Application 2026

To successfully complete your application, you must upload or submit the following documents before the closing date:

• Certified copy of your South African ID or smart card
• If under 18, a copy of your birth certificate
• Your latest academic results or qualification
• A signed NSFAS Consent Form
• Disability Annexure A Form (if applicable)
• Certified copies of your parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
• Death certificates (if parents are deceased)
• Certified ID copies of at least three relatives (witnesses)
• Proof of household income (salary slip, bank statement, or affidavit) if employed

NSFAS 2026 Application Requirements

Application Fee

✅ No application fee is required to apply for NSFAS.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for NSFAS funding in 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be a SASSA grant recipient (automatically eligible)
• Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year
• If disabled, have a combined household income of R600,000 or less per year
• If you started studying before 2018, your household income must be R122,000 or less per year

📌 Education requirements:

• For TVET colleges, you must have completed Grade 9–12
• For universities, you must have completed Grade 12

NSFAS 2026 Manual Application (PDF Download)

If you cannot apply online, you can submit a manual application:

1. Download the NSFAS 2026 application form (PDF) from www.nsfas.org.za.
2. Print and complete the form in black ink.
3. Attach all required supporting documents.
4. Submit your application at your institution’s Financial Aid Office (FAO) or email it to apply@nsfas.org.za.

How to Apply Online for NSFAS 2026

Follow these steps to complete your NSFAS 2026 online application:

1. Visit: www.nsfas.org.za/apply-online-2026
2. Create your myNSFAS account
3. Log in and click on the Apply tab
4. Fill in the online application form with accurate details
5. Upload all required supporting documents
6. Review your information carefully and click Submit

NSFAS Contact Details

For assistance with your application, contact NSFAS directly:

📍 Physical Address:
The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001

📧 Email: info@nsfas.org.za

📱 Social Media:

• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter (X): @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS

Visit the official website for updates: www.nsfas.org.za

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is NSFAS open for 2026 applications?
   Yes, the NSFAS application portal for 2026 was opened on Monday, 15 September 2025.
2. When is the NSFAS 2026 closing date?
   Applications close on 15 November 2025.
3. Can I apply for NSFAS without an ID?
   Yes, students under 18 can apply with a birth certificate instead of an ID.
4. Does NSFAS fund all students?
   No, NSFAS only funds eligible South African students who meet the income and academic requirements.
5. What does NSFAS cover?
   NSFAS covers tuition fees, registration fees, and allowances for transport, accommodation, and study materials.

For more details, visit www.nsfas.org.za

Related Posts

• NSFAS Application 2025-2026 Closing Date www.nsfas.org.za
• NSFAS Online Application 2025/2026 Opening Date