Click Here To Apply For 2026 NSFAS
Many students who want to study in 2026 have been patiently waiting for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s 2026 applications to open so they can submit their bursary applications. NSFAS has announced the application deadlines for 2026.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has finally opened the 2024 NSFAS online application period. Prospective students can begin submitting their NSFAS bursary applications from Tuesday, 16 September 2025, on the official NSFAS website.
NSFAS provides comprehensive funding to more than one million students enrolled in approved programs at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
What Supporting Documents Are Needed:
Supporting documents and information for your NSFAS online application include:
- Certified copies of your South African ID or birth certificate
- a working cellphone number/contact details
- a statement providing proof of your financial eligibility (proof of income)
- Your current email address
- Your spouse’s ID (if applicable)
- Your consent form is sometimes needed
Once you complete all these steps, your application will be officially submitted. You must, of course, make sure you submit your application and supporting documents before the closing of the application date.
Is NSFAS A Loan Or A Bursary:
Although you might have heard from other people that they have student loan repayments to NSFAS, things have changed. In previous years the National Student Financial Aid Scheme provided student loans that usually had to be paid back when the student graduated and started earning.
All payments and financial aid these days to NSFAS beneficiaries are bursaries and don’t have to be paid back.
When Should You Apply For NSFAS:
You should complete the NSFAS online application form on the NSFAS portal and submit your supporting documents as soon as you decide that you want to study at a public university or TVET college.
Don’t wait until you have been accepted into university or college, as that will be too late to go through the NSFAS funding process. NSFAS will cover registration and tuition fees – as well as an allowance.
How to apply: