Last updated on January 7, 2026
The NSFAS online application window for the 2026 academic year opened on 16 September 2025 and officially closed on 15 November 2025. This was the only confirmed application period for all first-time and returning applicants. NSFAS has also stated that there will not be a separate January 2026 walk-in or late-application window for TVET college students, meaning anyone who wishes to apply for 2026 has to submit their form within the September–November timeline. This guide explains the full date breakdown, eligibility checks, and what students should prepare for the next cycle.
Why NSFAS Uses a September–November Window
NSFAS receives its mandate from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Before any date is announced, NSFAS must complete several internal steps:
- Approval of the funding budget
- Review of qualifying thresholds
- Confirmation of university and TVET readiness
- Testing of the MyNSFAS system
- Policy finalisation
These steps typically conclude toward the end of the year, which is why the application period consistently falls around September to November.
Is the NSFAS 2026 Application Still Open?
No. NSFAS has officially closed applications for 2026 funding. The scheme has also indicated that it will start communicating outcomes and updates through the myNSFAS portal from 15 December 2025.
Will NSFAS Reopen Applications for 2026?
As of now, NSFAS has not announced a new or second application window for 2026. The official communication simply confirms that applications are closed and that results will be shared from mid-December onwards.
Some external sources mention that in past years, NSFAS occasionally opened limited additional windows, especially for TVET students or late placements, but these are always announced on the official NSFAS website and verified institutional channels, not on random social media posts.
Colleges such as the College of Cape Town have also told their students clearly that there will be no January 2026 walk-in online NSFAS applications for TVET colleges, reinforcing that the September–November 2025 period was the main window.
If students see any advert promising “NSFAS late applications for 2026” outside of official channels, they should treat it with caution.
What to Do if You Missed NSFAS 2026
If someone has completely missed the NSFAS 2026 window, the realistic options are:
- Look for alternative funding: university bursaries, provincial bursaries, private schemes, and employer-linked bursaries that may still be open.
- Explore TVET pathways: some TVET colleges have more flexible funding or bridging options that can lead into NSFAS-funded years later.
- Prepare early for the next NSFAS cycle by:
- Sorting out ID documents and income proof
- Creating a myNSFAS profile well before the opening date
- Choosing an NSFAS-funded course at a public institution
Based on recent patterns, NSFAS tends to open applications for the following year around September and close them by mid-November, but students should always wait for the official date announcement on the NSFAS website and verified institutional platforms.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
