NSFAS: how funding applications work
Last updated 10 November 2026
NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, is a separate application from applying to a university. You can be accepted without funding, and you can be funded only once you have a place. This page points to the official sources and says what universities themselves have published.
It does not decide whether you qualify.
The 2027 timetable
South African Government publication Vuk’uzenzele, which says its information was supplied by NSFAS, reports that applications for 2027 had to be submitted by 31 October 2026 and that the deadline would not be extended. NSFAS planned to finish its funding decisions by 30 November 2026, audit them from 1 December 2026 to 9 December 2026, take appeals from 10 December 2026 to 24 December 2026, publish appeal outcomes by 9 January 2027 and give institutions a list of funded students by 11 January 2027.
The dates for the next round are set by NSFAS. Check its own site.
How the application works
The same publication says students can create a profile, apply, upload supporting documents and receive confirmation on the NSFAS mobile application. It says documents must be complete and readable, that a signed consent form must be submitted so NSFAS can verify the financial information of parents or guardians, and that you should press the final submit button and check you receive a unique reference number to track the application. Using the myNSFAS portal, you log in or create a profile.
Where to apply
Apply on the NSFAS website. The University of Pretoria’s news item of 7 October 2026 says applications for 2027 funding were open until 31 October 2026, that the process is free, and that it can be done on the NSFAS website or the NSFAS mobile app. It gives the NSFAS contact centre as 0800 067 327.
The dates for the next round are set by NSFAS. Check its own site.
Who may qualify
The University of Fort Hare’s application page says the bursary is open to South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of not more than R 350 000 a year before deductions, and up to R 600 000 for persons living with disabilities. Rules can change each year, so read the NSFAS site for the current ones.
Before you apply
Get your documents ready.
- Your ID document.
- Your household income information.
- A working email address and cellphone number.
- Your university application number, once you have it.
Funding and your university place
Funding does not replace the university application and its own closing date. Plan both together with the university applications page and the application planner.
Costs beyond tuition
Funding rules cover certain costs and not others. Read what is covered on the NSFAS site, and plan the rest with the university cost planner. For borrowing, see the student loan repayment calculator.
Keep your own records
Write down the date you applied, any reference number you receive and the email address you used. If you need help, contact NSFAS through its official channels, and keep any messages you receive. Check your status on the official site, and read every message from NSFAS and your university carefully, because deadlines to send documents are short.
Beware of fake sites
NSFAS applications are free. Do not pay anyone to apply for you, and check you are on the official site before entering any personal details.
This is general information, not advice, and it is not run by NSFAS.