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NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 Open: Check Criteria & Apply
The NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 period is expected to open on 18 September 2026, giving eligible South African students an opportunity to apply for financial support towards studies at public universities and TVET colleges.
According to the application information provided, the NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 period will run from 18 September 2026 until 31 October 2026.
Students planning to study at a public university or public TVET college in 2027 should prepare their documents and make sure they understand the application process before submitting their funding application.
NSFAS uses household income and other eligibility requirements to determine whether applicants qualify for bursary funding. The official NSFAS information currently available confirms a household income threshold of R350,000 or less per year, while applicants living with disabilities can qualify with a combined household income of up to R600,000 per year.
Key Points & Vacancy Summary
- Funding Body: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) / Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Opportunity Name: NSFAS General Bursary Scheme 2027
- Applications Opening Date: 18 September 2026
- Applications Closing Date: 31 October 2026
- TVET College Admission Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Target Audience: South African citizens or permanent residents enrolled or planning to enroll at a public university or public TVET college
- Financial Eligibility Thresholds:
- Combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per annum
- Combined gross household income of R600,000 or less per annum for students living with a disability
- Automatic financial qualification for SASSA grant recipients
- Mandatory Supporting Documents:
- Copy of South African ID card/book or birth certificate
- Proof of household income (recent payslips, UIF statements, SASSA confirmation, or affidavit)
- Medical report and completed NSFAS Disability Annexure (if applying under disability threshold)
- Signed NSFAS Consent and Declaration forms (where required by the system)
- Coverage Provided: Full tuition fees, registration fees, and standardized allowances for accommodation, transport, living costs, and learning materials
- Application Channel: Strictly online via the official myNSFAS Portal (my.nsfas.org.za / www.nsfas.org.za)
NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 opening date
The application information supplied for the 2027 academic year gives the following dates:
Applications open: 18 September 2026
Applications close: 31 October 2026
TVET College admission deadline: 30 September 2026
Students interested in TVET college studies should pay particular attention to the earlier admission date provided for colleges.
The bursary application and college admission processes are separate, so students should make sure they complete the relevant admission process as well as applying for NSFAS funding.
Who can apply for NSFAS funding?
NSFAS funding is available to qualifying South African students studying or planning to study at public higher education institutions.
The current NSFAS eligibility information states that the bursary is open to South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined household income does not exceed the applicable threshold.
Applicants must also be planning to study at, or be enrolled at, an eligible public university or public TVET college.
Students studying at private institutions do not qualify for the NSFAS bursary under the current published criteria.
Household income requirement
One of the key factors in a NSFAS application is household income.
The published NSFAS criteria set the standard combined gross household income threshold at R350,000 per year or less. For persons with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000 or less per year.
NSFAS can use information from third-party data sources when assessing an applicant’s financial eligibility, which means applicants should provide accurate information in their application.
SASSA recipients
NSFAS states that SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify on the financial eligibility requirement.
However, applicants still need to complete the applicable application process and meet the other relevant NSFAS requirements.
Documents needed for the application
Applicants should prepare the documents that may be required during the application process.
These can include:
- A South African ID or applicable birth certificate.
- Proof of household income where required.
- Relevant NSFAS consent and declaration forms.
- Additional documents where applicable.
NSFAS states that the application system can generate a list of documents required based on the applicant’s circumstances. Additional documents can include items such as retrenchment letters, death certificates, divorce decrees or proof of legal guardianship where applicable.
Applicants with disabilities have additional documentation requirements, including the applicable Disability Annexure and medical information.
Create your myNSFAS account
Students applying for funding need to use the NSFAS online application system.
The official application process involves visiting the NSFAS website, creating a myNSFAS profile, completing the required information and submitting the application.
Applicants should use their own contact details and keep their login information secure.
The current myNSFAS portal provides options for applicants to log in or create a profile if they do not already have one.
How to apply for NSFAS Bursary Application 2027
Students can follow these general steps when the 2027 application window opens:
Step 1: Visit the official NSFAS website
Go to the official NSFAS website and access the online application section.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS profile
If you do not already have an account, create your myNSFAS profile using your own personal details.
Step 3: Complete the application
Enter your personal, academic and financial information carefully.
Make sure the information corresponds with your official documents.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents
Upload clear copies of any documents requested by the system.
NSFAS advises applicants to provide complete and accurate information and to respond to requests for additional documents through their myNSFAS account.
Step 5: Submit the application
After checking the information, submit the application and keep your application or reference details for future use.
Do not wait until the closing date
Students should not leave their NSFAS application until the final day.
Applications can require supporting documents or additional information, and applicants may need to return to their myNSFAS account if NSFAS requests further documentation.
NSFAS also advises applicants to regularly check their account for updates and further actions.
What does the NSFAS bursary cover?
According to NSFAS, bursary funding can cover expenses including registration, tuition fees and learning materials, as well as applicable allowances for living, personal care, transport or accommodation.
The specific funding provided can depend on the applicable NSFAS rules and the student’s circumstances.
Public universities and TVET colleges
The NSFAS bursary is intended for eligible students at South Africa’s public higher education institutions.
Applicants should therefore confirm that the qualification and institution they intend to attend are eligible for NSFAS funding before relying on the bursary for their studies.
NSFAS states that students enrolled for qualifications that are not approved by DHET and/or accredited by SAQA do not qualify under the published criteria.
TVET College applicants
Students planning to study at a TVET college should pay attention to the separate admission process.
The information supplied for the 2027 cycle gives 30 September 2026 as the TVET College admission deadline.
Applicants should therefore check their preferred public TVET college directly for admission requirements and application dates rather than waiting for the NSFAS closing date.
Protect yourself from NSFAS scams
Applicants should be careful when applying for funding.
NSFAS provides its application process through its official website and myNSFAS platform. The organisation also warns applicants to protect their personal information and states that NSFAS officials will never ask applicants or beneficiaries to share their passwords.
Students should avoid paying unofficial individuals who claim they can guarantee NSFAS funding.
NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 dates
Based on the application information provided:
Application opening date: 18 September 2026
TVET College admission deadline: 30 September 2026
NSFAS application closing date: 31 October 2026
Applicants should verify these dates on the official NSFAS website when the 2027 application announcement is published.
How to apply
The NSFAS online application is completed through the official myNSFAS platform.
Official website: NSFAS
Online portal: myNSFAS
Applicants should use the official NSFAS application channels and avoid unofficial websites requesting payment or sensitive login information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 open?
The information provided for the 2027 application cycle states that applications open on 18 September 2026.
When does the NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 close?
The supplied 2027 application information gives 31 October 2026 as the closing date. Applicants should confirm the date on the official NSFAS website when the 2027 application announcement is published.
Who qualifies for the NSFAS bursary?
The current published criteria include South African citizens and permanent residents who meet the applicable financial and academic requirements and intend to study at an eligible public university or TVET college.
What is the household income limit?
The published NSFAS bursary threshold is a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less per year. For persons with disabilities, the threshold is R600,000 or less.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the official NSFAS website and myNSFAS portal.
Is there a separate deadline for TVET College admission?
The information supplied for the 2027 cycle lists 30 September 2026 as the TVET College admission deadline. Students should also check the specific college’s own admission information.
Final reminder
Students preparing for the NSFAS Bursary Application 2027 should prepare their identification, financial and other supporting documents before applications open.
The application process is completed online through NSFAS, and applicants should regularly check their myNSFAS accounts for requests for additional information or documents.
Disclaimer
Dailyspark.co.za is not NSFAS and does not process or approve bursary applications. This article is provided for informational purposes to help students understand the advertised application process. Applicants should verify the latest dates, requirements and application instructions directly with NSFAS before submitting an application.
Editorial Integrity
Dailyspark.co.za compiles and edits education and funding information from available sources to make opportunities easier for readers to understand. We aim to provide accurate and transparent information, but application dates and requirements can change. Readers should always verify the latest information with the official NSFAS website.