How to Apply For NSFAS Loan, Funding & Bursary 2026

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026… Loan Requirements, Eligibility, NSFAS Bursary Application Guide, and Funding Application Closing Date 2026.

Applying to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) online is very easy through the outlined steps below.

How to Apply for NSFAS 2026

Log onto www.nsfas.org.za
Click on ‘register’
Complete the required fields (ID number, cellphone number and email address)
Upload the required supporting documents then click on ‘submit’

How to Create a New NSFAS Account

It’s as easy as 1,2,3,……

Type in first names (as per ID number)
Type in Surname (as per ID number)
Type in your ID number (will be your username)
Type in your Email address
Type in your Cellphone number
Accept the terms and conditions. Tick the box provided to allow NSFAS to check the information provided (compulsory)
Create a Password to protect your account.

ID number, Names and Surname is validated against the Department of Home Affairs database. Only valid South African ID information will be accepted.

Easy steps to get your NSFAS funding:

Take note of the below important documents needed to complete the application:

Step 1:

Once the student has created an account/profile and captured the required information, they click on apply and the screen above appears. Student should fill in the fathers’ details, if the field applies to them and Click Next

Step 2:

Student should fill in the mothers’ details only if this field applies to them and click Next, if this field does not apply to the student, they can Click Next

Step 3:

Married students with spouses should fill in the required details and Click Next, if this field does not apply to the student, they can Click Next

Step 4:

Students with guardians should fill in the required information and Click Next, if this field does not apply to the student, they can Click Next

Step 5:

Once the student has completed all required fields and steps, the student will be required to upload the necessary documents, upon completion student can Click Next

Step 6:

Student should confirm if the details and documents uploaded are correct and submit.

Final Step: Once student clicks on “Submit” the application will be submitted successfully

Who qualifies for the Bursary?

You qualify for a NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2024 or you are already studying at a public university or TVET college and you meet the following requirements:

1. SASSA recipients automatically qualify on financial eligibility

2. Your combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year or

3. Person with a disability with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per year or

4 . Must have email and cell phone number

NSFAS Application Requirements

NSFAS may need more information from you to process your application, check what supporting documents are required and ensure that you have all the relevant information:

You will need the following to complete your NSFAS application:

Your own cellphone number and email address
Copy of your ID or birth certificate
ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse (If applicable)
Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable)
Your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income
If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form, click here to download
An applicant who is recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form, click here to download.

NSFAS Coverage

Once your funding application becomes successful, NSFAS will cover your costs for:

Accommodation

Transport

Living allowance

Learning material allowance

Personal care allowance

NSFAS Offers for UNISA Students

If you are studying at the University of South Africa (UNISA) you will receive funding for:

Tuition

Books (subject to the number of modules registered)