Last updated on January 3, 2026
The NSFAS application window for 2026 is already closed. NSFAS opened online applications on 16 September 2025and kept the system active until 15 November 2025, which was the only confirmed period for all first-time and returning applicants. There will not be a January 2026 walk-in or late online application window for TVET college students, so anyone who did not apply during the September–November cycle will need to wait for the next academic year.
Even though the 2026 window has closed, it helps to understand the basic NSFAS requirements and the steps the application process followed. These details remain mostly the same each year and can help students prepare early for the next cycle.
Who Qualified for NSFAS 2026?
NSFAS funding is meant for students who meet specific financial and academic criteria. Applicants must be South African citizens, accepted or planning to register at a public university or TVET college, and fall within the household income limit of R350,000 per year (or up to R600,000 for students with disabilities). NSFAS does not fund private colleges, second undergraduate degrees, or postgraduate studies unless specified by special programs.
Documents Needed During the 2026 NSFAS Application Period
Students applying for 2026 were expected to upload a certified copy of their ID, certified IDs of parents or guardians, proof of household income, and a completed NSFAS Consent Form. Vulnerable youth, students with disabilities, and SASSA beneficiaries were required to follow additional documentation requirements, with NSFAS providing specific forms for each category.
How the Application Process Worked
To apply for 2026, students created or logged into their myNSFAS account, completed their personal and academic profile, uploaded all required documents, and submitted the form before the closing date. NSFAS has confirmed that funding decisions for 2026 will be communicated through the myNSFAS portal from 15 December 2025, and students are encouraged to check their accounts regularly for updates or document requests.
If You Missed the 2026 Window
Students who missed the 2026 submission period should prepare early for the next opening date, which usually falls around September each year. It is also helpful to explore alternative funding options such as university bursaries, provincial schemes, and private bursaries while waiting for NSFAS 2027 applications to open.
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.
