BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS Has Opened Applications for 2027 Funding – APPLY NOW

BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS Has Opened Applications for 2027 Funding – APPLY NOW

NSFAS 2027 applications are now open, giving eligible South African students another opportunity to apply for financial support for the 2027 academic year.

Applications opened on 18 September 2026 and will close on 31 October 2026 at South African time. Students are encouraged to apply early instead of waiting until the final days, especially if they still need to obtain supporting documents or resolve account problems.

NSFAS 2027 application dates

• Applications open: 18 September 2026.
• Application deadline: 31 October 2026.
• Application fee: Free.
• Application platform: myNSFAS online portal or the NSFAS Student App.
• Missing documents: Applicants have up to 30 working days to submit outstanding documents where applicable.

Who should apply?

The funding opportunity is aimed at eligible South African students who plan to study at participating universities, TVET colleges, or CET colleges during the 2027 academic year. Students who are already studying and those planning to register for the first time should check the relevant requirements and apply through the official platform. An application should be completed by the student rather than by an unofficial agent.

Prepare before applying

A few minutes of preparation can prevent unnecessary delays. Before starting the application, make sure the following steps are completed:

Create a myNSFAS account

Applicants need a working email address, their own cellphone number, and a valid South African identity number. The contact details should belong to the applicant because they may be used for important application updates.

Check your personal details

The name and identity number entered on the application should match the applicant’s official Home Affairs records. Incorrect personal information can make verification difficult.

Gather supporting documents

Documents should be clear, readable, and uploaded in the correct section of the application. Blurred photographs, cropped pages, or missing signatures can cause documents to be rejected.

NSFAS supporting documents checklist

The exact documents required may depend on the applicant’s personal and household circumstances. The official application system will generate a document list for each applicant.

Common documents may include:

• South African ID document or birth certificate.
• Both sides of a Smart ID card.
• Payslips for the last three months where a parent, guardian, or spouse earns an income.
• UIF statement where applicable.
• Affidavit confirming informal income where applicable.
• Death certificate for a deceased parent or guardian.
• Divorce decree or settlement agreement for divorced or separated parents.
• Marriage certificate and spouse’s ID where applicable.
• Court-issued proof of legal guardianship.
• Retrenchment letter if a parent or guardian has been retrenched.

Applicants who receive household SASSA support generally do not need to upload separate proof for Child Support, Foster Child, or Care Dependency grants because these grants are verified with SASSA.

Forms that may be required

Some applicants may need to complete additional forms depending on their circumstances.

Consent form

The consent form allows NSFAS to verify information such as identity, household details, and income with relevant third-party sources. It must be signed by the applicant and by every parent, legal guardian, or spouse whose information appears on the application.

The official guidance says the form should be completed in capital letters, signed in black ink, and submitted without electronic signatures or correction fluid.

Disability annexure

Applicants living with a disability may need to submit the disability annexure completed by a registered medical practitioner. The medical report should be merged with the annexure into one file before uploading.

Orphan or vulnerable child declaration

Applicants under 18 who are orphans or vulnerable children may need to complete the relevant declaration. This form can replace parent or guardian income information where a parent or guardian cannot sign.

NSFAS declaration form

Applicants aged 34 and younger may be asked to submit a declaration form used to verify parent or legal guardian information. Some applicants may need to submit both the declaration form and the consent form.

How to upload documents correctly

Uploading a document is not enough. The file must be clear and placed in the correct document slot. Follow these steps:

1. Complete forms by hand where required. Print the relevant form, use black ink, write in capital letters, and sign it.
2. Scan every page clearly. Make sure the edges of the document are visible and that names, ID numbers, dates, and signatures can be read.
3. Combine related pages. Multi-page documents should be merged into one file. The disability annexure and medical report must be combined where required.
4. Use the correct upload slot. Each requested document has its own section on the myNSFAS portal.
5. Check the upload status. Confirm that the document has been accepted or recorded before leaving the application.

Mistakes that can delay an application

Applicants can avoid many problems by checking their forms before submitting them. Common mistakes include:

• Applying with incorrect personal information.
• Using another person’s email address or cellphone number.
• Uploading a blurred ID copy.
• Leaving out the back of a Smart ID card.
• Forgetting signatures.
• Using an electronic or pasted signature where a handwritten signature is required.
• Uploading documents in the wrong section.
• Sending separate files when the instructions require one merged file.
• Waiting until the final day to apply.

A rushed application can create avoidable problems, particularly when a document is rejected and the applicant needs time to replace it.

Beware of scams

NSFAS states that applications are free. Students should not pay anyone to submit an application, speed up processing, upload documents, or guarantee funding. Applicants should use only the official myNSFAS portal or NSFAS Student App. Do not share your password with WhatsApp agents, social media accounts, or people claiming to work for NSFAS. Suspicious activity can be reported through the NSFAS toll-free number 0800 067 327 or by emailing speakup@nsfas.org.za.

Where to apply

Students should apply through the official NSFAS website and follow the application instructions provided on the platform. The official application information is available here:

Visit the official NSFAS website

Final reminder for applicants

Do not wait until the closing date to begin. Create your account, prepare the required documents, submit the application, and regularly check your status on the official platform. The NSFAS 2027 funding application period closes on 31 October 2026, so eligible students should apply as soon as possible and keep proof of submission for their records.

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