Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has announced the opening date and details for the 2027 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application process.
NSFAS provides bursary funding to eligible students from households that fall within the scheme's income requirements. The funding is available to students studying at South Africa's public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
When Do NSFAS Applications Open?
NSFAS bursary applications for 2027 will open on 18 September 2027, according to the NSFAS Board Chairman.
The application period will remain open until 31 October 2027.
Students who want to apply for NSFAS funding must submit their applications through the official NSFAS online application system.
Who Can Apply For NSFAS Funding?
The NSFAS funding criteria remain unchanged. South African students can apply for funding if their household income does not exceed R350,000 per year.
NSFAS funding is available at all 26 public universities and 52 public TVET Colleges in South Africa.
The bursary does not fund students studying at private higher education institutions, even where those institutions are fully accredited.
NSFAS Application System Designed For Cellphones
The 2027 NSFAS application system has been developed to improve accessibility for students who rely on cellphones to complete and submit their applications.
This is intended to make it easier for prospective students who may not have regular access to a computer to apply for financial aid.
Students Urged To Apply Early
Minister Manamela has encouraged students planning to study in 2027 to submit their NSFAS applications as early as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.
However, NSFAS does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who experience technical or other difficulties during the first few days of the application period will still have an opportunity to apply and will not be disadvantaged simply because they did not apply immediately.
Apply For NSFAS And A Study Place
Students are also being reminded that applying for NSFAS funding does not automatically mean that they have applied to study at a university or TVET College.
Prospective students must separately apply for admission to the university or TVET College where they want to study.
Students should therefore make sure they complete both processes: an application for admission to their chosen institution and an application for NSFAS funding.
No Race Or Age Limit For NSFAS Applications
Minister Manamela also emphasised that South Africans of all races are eligible to apply for NSFAS funding, provided they meet the relevant funding requirements.
There is also no age limit for NSFAS applications. Last year, a 72-year-old applicant set the record for the oldest person to apply for NSFAS funding.
Prospective students who meet the requirements are encouraged to use the application period to submit their NSFAS funding applications for the 2027 academic year.
