The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year. This is your chance to secure funding for higher education at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.

NSFAS provides financial support that covers tuition, registration, accommodation, allowances, and more — helping you focus on your studies without financial stress.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

If your application is approved, NSFAS may fund:

• Full tuition fees and registration fees.
• Accommodation in university residences or accredited private housing.
• Living allowances to cover food and daily needs.
• Transport allowance for students living at home.
• Learning material allowance (for books, laptops, study equipment).

Who Can Apply?

You qualify to apply if you:

• Are you a South African citizen with a valid ID?
• Plan to study at a public university or TVET college in 2026.
• Come from a family with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year (R600,000 for students with disabilities).
• Are not already holding a degree funded by NSFAS.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the myNSFAS portal.

1. Visit the official NSFAS site: CLICK HERE TO APPLY (insert NSFAS link)
2. Create or log in to your myNSFAS account.
3. Complete the online form carefully.
4. Upload all required documents (see below).
5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Applications without the required documents will be rejected.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload the following (depending on personal circumstances):

• Certified copy of ID or birth certificate
• Proof of income (parents/guardians/spouse)
• Latest school/academic results
• Consent and declaration forms (see below)
• Proof of disability (if applicable)

 For Students with Disabilities

• A completed and signed Disability Annexure Form.
• A valid medical report merged into one file with the annexure before uploading.

 Upload here: CLICK HERE TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS (insert upload link)

NSFAS Consent & Declaration Forms (Download Required)

Consent Form

NSFAS reserves the right to verify information against independent third-party sources. Gives NSFAS permission to check your household income and personal information against government databases.

 Click here to download

Orphan or Vulnerable Child Declaration Form

For applicants under 18 who are orphans or considered vulnerable (due to abuse, neglect, or exploitation) this form verifies your situation

 Click here to download

Declaration Form

For applicants 34 years or younger, to verify parental/guardian details.

 Click here to download

Other Documents That May Be Required

Depending on your situation, NSFAS may request:

• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate(s)
• Divorce decree
• Proof of legal guardianship
• Marriage certificate
• Other documents for appeals (e.g., retrenchment proof)

The system will automatically generate a list of required documents based on your application type.

Important Notice for NSFAS Beneficiaries

• NSFAS beneficiaries are not required to pay any fees for student accommodation.
• Any accommodation provider charging such fees, or engaging in gender-based violence or harassment, will face strict consequences.
• Report unethical practices to the NSFAS Fraud Prevention Hotline: speakup@nsfas.org.za

Deadline

• Applications Open: NOW
• Closing Date: Applications will close on 15 November 2025

 Apply early to avoid delays and system congestion.

 Take the first step toward your future today!

 Apply here: Start NSFAS 2026 Application.