The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
NSFAS stated that 2026 applications closed and that outcomes would be communicated via the myNSFAS portal.
Visit Open Bursaries for more opportunities.
NSFAS Bursary 2026 (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is South Africa’s main government student funding programme for eligible students
studying at public universities and public TVET colleges.
If you qualify, NSFAS can help cover approved study costs so that finances don’t stop you from registering and completing your qualification.
This ready-to-post guide covers NSFAS eligibility, what the funding can cover, documents you may need, how to apply on the official platform,
and the confirmed NSFAS 2026 closing date. For more funding options, also browse
Open Bursaries, check Closing Soon, or explore
Government bursaries.
Quick Summary Box When applying for Nsfas Bursary
| Bursary Name | NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) |
| Company / Organisation | National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), South Africa |
| Fields Covered | Approved programmes at public universities and public TVET colleges (subject to NSFAS policy and institutional approval). |
| Who Can Apply | Eligible SA citizens/permanent residents who meet financial and academic criteria (including household income thresholds). |
| Closing Date | 2026 applications opened 15 September 2025 and closed 15 November 2025 (NSFAS official communication). |
| How to Apply | Apply online via myNSFAS / NSFAS online application. |
NSFAS Overview
NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid scheme that supports qualifying students to study at public institutions in South Africa.
Funding is not automatic — you must apply (when applications are open), meet the rules for that year, and register at an approved public university or TVET college.
NSFAS confirmed that 2026 applications are closed and that applicants should monitor their myNSFAS portal for updates and outcomes.
Who NSFAS Bursary Funds
NSFAS is mainly for students who:
- Plan to study (or are studying) at a public university or public TVET college.
- Come from households that meet NSFAS financial eligibility thresholds.
- Meet admission/registration requirements for their institution.
- Can provide accurate information and any supporting documents NSFAS request
NSFAS can include support for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (approved/accredited) or transport (students typically qualify for one, not both)
- Learning materials
- Living allowances (where applicable)
Important: Allowance amounts and payment methods can change by year. Always confirm the latest allowance information with NSFAS and your campus financial aid office.
Nsfas Bursary Requirements
NSFAS eligibility is based on financial need and other criteria. Below is a simplified summary of key published requirements:
1) Who can apply for Nsfas Bursary
- Generally for South African citizens (and, in some cases, permanent residents depending on policy and verification).
2) Nsfas Bursary Financial eligibility (income thresholds)
- Combined gross household income must generally be R350,000 or less per year.
- If you are a person living with a disability, combined gross household income must generally be R600,000 or less per year.
- SASSA grant recipients generally qualify on financial eligibility (subject to NSFAS verification).
3) Which Institution does Nsfas Bursary covers
- You must be studying (or planning to study) at a public university or public TVET college.
Not officially specified here: one single “marks requirement” that applies to every student and every institution, because academic rules can differ by programme and institution, and NSFAS conditions can change.
Required Documents to apply for Nsfas Bursary
NSFAS may request different supporting documents depending on your situation (for example: income type, family circumstances, disability status).
If NSFAS requests documents, you must upload them via your myNSFAS account.
Commonly requested documents (prepare these early):
- Certified copy of your SA ID (or acceptable identity document as per NSFAS rules)
- Proof of income (payslips, IRP5, or affidavits where applicable)
- Proof of SASSA grant (if applicable)
- Consent forms (where required for verification)
- Disability annexure/medical evidence (if applying as a student living with a disability)
Not officially specified: one fixed list for every applicant, because NSFAS document requirements can be case-by-case.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for Nsfas Bursary
NSFAS applications are submitted online through the official NSFAS platform. When applications open again:
- Go to my.nsfas.org.za and create a profile (or log in if you already have one).
- Select the application year (for example, the next cycle when it opens).
- Complete all sections carefully (personal details, contact information, and financial details).
- Agree to the required consent so NSFAS can verify your information.
- Submit your application and keep proof/reference details.
- If documents are requested, upload them through your myNSFAS account within the required time.
Tips to avoid delays when applying for Nsfas Bursary
- Use your own cellphone number and email address so you receive OTPs and notifications.
- Make sure names and ID numbers match your documents exactly.
- Upload clear, readable scans/photos (not blurry and not cut off).
- Check your myNSFAS account often for messages, outstanding documents, and outcomes.
Closing Date For Nsfas Bursary
NSFAS officially communicated that 2026 applications opened on 15 September 2025 and closed on
15 November 2025. NSFAS also stated that 2026 applications are closed on its “How to apply” page.
If you missed the deadline, you can still search for alternatives on Open Bursaries and Closing Soon.https://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/
Selection / Outcome Process when applying for Nsfas Bursary
After you apply, NSFAS verifies your information. Outcomes are communicated via the myNSFAS portal.
Funding can also depend on valid registration data submitted by your institution (university/TVET).
If an appeals process is available for your cycle, follow the official NSFAS instructions and deadlines published on your myNSFAS account or official NSFAS channels.
Frequently Asked Questions when applying for Nsfas Bursary
Is NSFAS bursary open for 2026 applications right now?
No. NSFAS stated that applications for 2026 funding are closed. You should monitor your myNSFAS account for outcomes and updates.
What is the NSFAS bursary household income threshold?
The general threshold is R350,000 or less per year combined gross household income.
For students living with disabilities, the threshold is generally R600,000 or less per year.
Do SASSA grant recipients qualify for nsfas bursary ?
NSFAS states that SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding on financial eligibility, subject to verification.
Does NSFAS cover accommodation?
NSFAS can cover approved accommodation costs and/or transport depending on your situation and policy.
In many cases, students qualify for either accommodation or transport (not both).
Where can I get help?
Start with your campus financial aid office (university) or student support office (TVET). For official updates, use your myNSFAS account and NSFAS official pages.
Important Notes & Warnings when applying for nsfas bursary
- Apply only on official platforms: avoid paying “agents” to apply for you.
- Deadlines are strict: late applications are usually not accepted.
- Verification matters: incorrect income details or missing consent can cause delays or rejection.
- Registration is key: funding and allowances often depend on valid registration uploads by your institution.
- Document quality matters: unclear or cut-off uploads can delay outcomes.https://bursariesopennow.co.za/
Official Sources for nsfas bursary