NSFAS Application 2026 Opening Date

NSFAS online application opens from 1st September 2025 and remains close until 15 November 2026. In between, students can apply online via Nsfas Login Portal and fill online enrollment form. Just for students’ clarification, the late application form submission date will be announced later.

You want to study in South Africa, but financial constraints keep you from reaching your goals? The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) may be the answer to your prayers. From estimated opening dates, eligibility requirements, and application process, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all of the information you need about the anticipated NSFAS Online Application 2026 cycle.

NSFAS Application Dates 2026 

As per the Minister of Education, Mr Buti Manamela, announced that the NSFAS application date is going to be announced on 15 September 2025. All candidates who are ready to submit an NSFAS application should be ready.

Note: Everyone is asking about the NSFAS closing date for 2025-2026, which is expected to be 15 November 2025, but this information was obtained from some online sources.

How to Apply for the NSFAS Online 2026

South African ID:

• Ensure that you possess a valid South African identification document.

Academic Records:

• Obtain your most recent academic transcripts or results.

Proof of Income:

• Obtain documents that verify the income of your household (e.g., payslips and tax returns).
• As a dependent, you will need documentation of your parent’s or guardian’s income.

Additional Documents:

• It is possible that you will need other documents depending on your circumstances (e.g., proof of disability or a parent’s death certificate).
• For a complete list, please refer to the NSFAS website.

Visit the Website:

• Go to the official NSFAS website (my.nsfas.co.za).

Click “MyNSFAS Account”:

• The “MyNSFAS” tab or button can be found by clicking on it.

Register:

• Create a new account by following the instructions.
• In order to access the site, you will need to provide your personal information and create a username and password.

Log In:

• Log in to your MyNSFAS account.

Start Application:

• To begin a new application for the funding cycle of 2026, please click on the “Apply” tab or button.

Fill in Details:

• Carefully complete the application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
• This includes personal details, contact information, academic history, and financial information.

Upload Supporting Documents:

• All supporting documents should be scanned or photographed clearly.
• Make sure they are legible and in the correct format (PDF is generally preferred).

Review:

• Make sure you have double-checked all the information you have provided and that your supporting documents have been uploaded properly before you submit.

Submit:

• Click the “Submit” button to send your application.
• You’ll usually receive a confirmation message or email.

MyNSFAS Account:

• Log in to your MyNSFAS account regularly to track the progress of your application.

Status Updates:

• You will be notified of any updates or requests for additional information through your MyNSFAS account or by email from NSFAS.

Processing Time:

• Applications are typically processed by NSFAS within several weeks.
• If you do not have a specific question, you should avoid contacting them unnecessarily.

Notification:

• The outcome of your application will be communicated to you via your MyNSFAS account or by email.
• You will receive details about your funding if you are successful in your application.

NSFAS Opening Date

Finally, there is the NSFAS open application submission portal, which began accepting applications on 1st September 2025.

NSFAS Closing Date

For candidates’ information, NSFAS issued the last date for submission of applications, which is 15 November 2025. After that, candidates will not be eligible to submit their form.

NSFAS Second Semester Application 2025

It is anticipated that many students will be eager to apply to NSFAS for the second semester of 2025. The application window typically opens several months before the second semester begins, allowing students adequate time to prepare and submit their applications. Keeping informed about the exact date is critical, which is why you should regularly check NSFAS’ website or official announcements to make sure you do not miss this important event.

NSFAS Documents Needed

• In order to apply, you must possess a valid South African identification document, such as an ID book or a smart card. Foreign applicants are not eligible to apply.
• There must not be more than R350,000 per year in your household income.
• It is recommended that your household income should not exceed R600,000 per year if you have a disability.
• A secondary school diploma is required to qualify for funding at both universities and TVET colleges.

NSFAS 2026 Reapplication and Registration

The registration and application for 2026 will require a myNSFAS account, which may be created or re-registered at any time.

The process can be completed by following these steps:

• NSFAS has a website at www.nsfas.org.za where you can find more information.
• You can access myNSFAS by clicking on the upper right corner of the NSFAS website.
• There will be a welcome message on the myNSFAS page: “Welcome to myNSFAS.”
• Enter your e-mail address and password to re-register your myNSFAS account.
• You can register by clicking “Register”. If you wish to register your profile, you must provide a copy of your South African ID or unabridged birth certificate.
• Select the checkbox if you want NSFAS to verify and validate your information with a third party.
• Once you’ve entered your ID number, you’ll need to enter your account password.
• Fill in the space provided with your full name and surname according to your ID number.
• Enter your current email address if you have one.
• Make sure your email address is valid.
• If you have a cellphone number, please enter it.
• It is important to choose passwords according to your preferences.
• After that, you will need to confirm your password.
• Once you have copied your ID document, you should upload it.
• Once you register, you will receive a one-time password.
• Within 24 hours, One Time Pins (OTPs) will be sent to your email address and cell phone number.
• Click the submit button once you have entered your OTP.
• The registration process for the NSFAS of 2026 has now been completed.

How Long Does NSFAS Take To Respond?

There is a four- to six-week waiting period in most cases.

In the NSFAS funding process, the status section responds within four to six weeks.

The response from NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the stage of the application process. Applications are usually processed within 4-6 weeks.

Although there may be longer processing times during peak application periods, such as before the start of an academic year, it is important to keep this in mind.

The application should be submitted as soon as possible, therefore. If you need assistance with your application, please contact NSFAS directly for the most accurate information.

How to Upload Documents on NSFAS

1. Open the Official NSFAS Portal: “my.nsfas.org.za” is the web URL of the portal where to upload documents.
2. Select Document Type: In the ‘Upload Documents’ section, you’ll see a dropdown menu where you can select the type of document you are uploading.
3. Choose File: Click on ‘Choose File’ to select the document from your device. Ensure the document is correctly named and in the right format.
4. Upload: After selecting the file, click ‘Upload’. Wait for the confirmation message indicating the document has been successfully uploaded.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process for each document required.

NSFAS Bursary

All South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined household income does not exceed R350,000 per year are eligible for the NSFAS bursary.

In order to ensure greater financial accessibility and support for persons with disabilities, the income threshold has been set at R600,000 per year.

Allowances for University Students

Allowances for TVET College Students in 2026-2026

What Does NSFAS Cover?

• Academic Fee
• Registration Fee
• Food Allowance
• Personal Care Allowance
• Learning Materials
• Allowance of Accommodation
• Travel Allowance

NSFAS 2026 Updates Changes Eligibility

Your eligibility for NSFAS funding must be confirmed before you begin your application process. You must meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship or Residency: You must be a South African citizen or hold a permanent residency permit.
• Institution: Studying at a public university or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college within South Africa is required.
• Financial Need: You must have a combined household income of less than R350,000 per year.

How to Cancel NSFAS Application

NSFAS has set some eligibility criteria for students who wish to apply for financial aid. It plays a vital role in promoting higher education at an equal level in South Africa and making it more affordable to students.  If an applicant wants to cancel the application, it can be easily canceled by following the steps mentioned in this article. Below you can find the complete information regarding cancel nsfas application.

Step 1. Open NSFAS Account Dashboard:

• Go to the NSFAS website nsfas.org.za and log in to your myNSFAS account.

Step 2. Find Your Application:

• Find the section for viewing applications (“Applications” or “Track Applications”) and cancel the appropriate application.

Step 3. Cancel the Application:

• Click “Cancel Application” or “Withdraw Application” next to your chosen application.
• Confirm your decision if prompted and submit the request.

For South African students, the NSFAS Online application cycle presents a golden opportunity to achieve their higher education dreams. It is important that you understand the eligibility requirements, follow the application process diligently, and stay informed about NSFAS Payment dates so that you may position yourself for success. Do not let financial constraints prevent you from achieving your goals.