The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial assistance to eligible students who want to study at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. Applications for the 2027 academic year are open from 18 September 2026 until 31 October 2026. Applying for NSFAS funding is free. NSFAS funding is intended to help eligible students cover approved costs associated with their studies, including tuition and registration fees, learning materials, accommodation or transport where applicable, and other approved allowances. NSFAS Bursary 2027 Details Bursary: NSFAS Bursary Academic Year: 2027 Applications Open: 18 September 2026 Closing Date: 31 October 2026 Study Institutions: Public universities and TVET colleges Application Fee: None Application Method: Online through myNSFAS Who Can Apply for NSFAS? NSFAS funding is available to South African citizens and permanent residents who plan to study or are already studying at an eligible public university or TVET college, subject to the applicable funding requirements. Applicants must also meet the applicable financial and academic requirements and be registered for an approved NSFAS-funded qualification. NSFAS Income Requirements For the bursary, the current published NSFAS requirements state that: Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirement. Non-SASSA applicants generally need a gross combined household income of R350,000 or less per year. Persons with disabilities generally qualify under a household income threshold of R600,000 or less per year. The relevant household income is the gross combined household income before tax and other deductions. Applicants should check the latest NSFAS requirements because eligibility depends on their individual circumstances and the applicable funding rules. What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover? For eligible students, NSFAS bursary funding can cover approved costs including: Registration and tuition fees Learning materials Living allowance Personal care allowance Transport allowance Accommodation where applicable Students with disabilities may also qualify for additional approved support, such as assistive devices and related support, subject to assessment and approval. NSFAS does not automatically cover every expense a student may have. Funding is provided according to the applicable NSFAS funding policy and the student's circumstances. What Qualifications Does NSFAS Fund? NSFAS funds approved undergraduate qualifications offered at eligible public universities and TVET colleges. Not every qualification is automatically funded, so applicants should check whether their chosen qualification and institution are approved for NSFAS funding. How to Apply for NSFAS 2027 Students can apply online through the NSFAS application platform. The application process involves: Creating or accessing a myNSFAS account. Completing your personal and household information. Providing the required consent. Uploading the required supporting documents. Checking that all information is correct. Submitting the application. Saving your application reference number. Monitoring your myNSFAS account for updates. NSFAS advises applicants to ensure that documents are clear, complete and readable before uploading them. NSFAS Supporting Documents Depending on your circumstances, NSFAS may require documents such as a signed consent form, declaration forms, disability documentation or an orphan and vulnerable child declaration. Applicants should check their myNSFAS account for the specific documents required for their application. NSFAS 2027 Closing Date The closing date for NSFAS 2027 applications is 31 October 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and regularly monitor their myNSFAS accounts for requests for additional information or supporting documents. NSFAS states that late applications cannot be accepted after the application window closes. How to Track Your NSFAS Application After submitting your application, you can log into your myNSFAS account to monitor your application status and check whether NSFAS requires additional documents or information. Keep your application reference number and contact details safe and up to date. Important NSFAS Scam Warning NSFAS applications are free. Applicants should not pay anyone who claims they can submit an application, speed up funding or guarantee a successful NSFAS application. NSFAS also advises applicants never to share their myNSFAS password or one-time PIN with another person. Applications and account services should be accessed through official NSFAS channels. Apply for NSFAS 2027 Students interested in NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year should apply before the 31 October 2026 deadline. Official NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/ NSFAS application portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ Career Unified is an independent platform that shares bursaries, scholarships, internships and career opportunities. Applicants should always verify application requirements, deadlines and funding information on the official provider's website before applying. Click Here To Join Our WhatsApp Channel