The deadline is 23:59 on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Check your documents, submit through an official channel and keep your reference number. Applying is free.

Prospective students seeking NSFAS funding for 2027 have until 23:59 South African Standard Time on 31 October 2026 to apply, according to the scheme’s official application campaign page.

This is the closing stage of the application period that opened on 18 September, not a new window. In a 27 October reminder, SAnews reported Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela’s appeal to prospective students, particularly those in Grade 12, to apply without waiting for the last day.

Check the funding criteria

NSFAS’s official frequently asked questions say South African citizens and permanent residents planning to study at a public university or TVET college can apply. Bursary funding is for approved undergraduate qualifications, subject to the applicable requirements.

  • For non-SASSA bursary applicants, gross combined household income must be R350,000 a year or less.
  • For applicants with disabilities, the bursary income ceiling is R600,000 a year.
  • Verified SASSA grant recipients meet the financial requirement, but still need to complete the application and meet other requirements.

Gross income means income before deductions. Meeting an income threshold does not guarantee funding. NSFAS must complete its eligibility and verification processes.

Finish the application, not just the profile

Use the myNSFAS portal or the official NSFAS app. The application guide sets out the process:

  1. Create an account with your ID number, cellphone number and email address, or sign in to your existing account.
  2. Complete your personal and household information accurately.
  3. Complete the consent requirements and upload the documents requested for your application.
  4. Review the information, submit and save your application reference number.

A saved application still needs to be submitted. Afterwards, check your real status inside myNSFAS and respond to any document requests.

Use your own document checklist

The campaign page says myNSFAS generates a personalised document list. A signed consent form is required, while additional forms depend on your circumstances. Follow the requests shown in your account rather than treating a forwarded checklist as complete.

Use the current forms. Photograph or scan each page clearly, include all edges and check the signatures before uploading. A blurred or incomplete document may have to be submitted again.

Do not pay for a promise of funding

SAnews reports that NSFAS has warned against fraudulent social media accounts and unauthorised people charging for application assistance or promising guaranteed funding. An application fee buys no official advantage: applying is free.

Keep your password and one-time PIN private. For assistance, the official campaign page lists 0800 067 327. Starting before the final evening gives you time to check your uploads and resolve questions without relying on an extension.

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