2026 NSFAS Applications: How to apply

What Are the Requirements for 2026 NSFAS Applications?

• You need to have a valid South African ID, which can either be in the form of an ID book or smart ID card (unfortunately, no foreign individuals may apply)
• Your combined household income cannot exceed R350 000 per annum
• If you’re a disabled person, then your household income must not exceed R600 000 per annum
• You need to have passed grade 12 at a secondary institution for both university and TVET funding

What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Allowance for food
• Allowance for personal care
• Learning materials
• Accommodation (if necessary)
• Travel (if necessary)

What Documents Do You Need for 2026 NSFAS Applications?

• A certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
• Certified ID copies of parents, guardian/s or spouse
• Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 or your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income. (NOTE: If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required)
• If you are disabled you must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
• If you are recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration Form

Other required documents if applicable:

• Retrenchment letter
• Death certificate/s
• Divorce decree

2026 NSFAS Applications: How to Apply  

Now that the 2026 NSFAS applications are open, you will need to create a myNSFAS account, and do the following:

• Click on register
• Tick the acceptance option to verify and validate the information you provide
• Type in your ID number as per your ID document
• Type in your name and surname as per your ID Document
• Type in your email address and cellphone number (Please note that your email will become your username)
• Create a password and confirm your password
• Upload a copy of your ID
• Click on the register button
• A One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided
• Type in the OTP in the tab provided and click submit
• You will then receive another SMS and email confirming that your myNSFAS account has been created
• You must now proceed with filling out your application and providing the necessary supporting documentation

If you still have further questions, please visit the NSFAS FAQ for more information.

Who Cannot Apply for NSFAS?

When applying for NSFAS funding, it’s important to understand that not all students will qualify. Here are the categories of students who may not be eligible for NSFAS in 2026:

Who is not eligible to apply?

1. Students who already receive full funding for their studies from sources other than NSFAS.
2. Students who have completed an undergraduate degree and are seeking funding for another undergraduate programme.
3. Students who have earned a certificate and want to pursue a second certificate qualification.
4. Students enrolled at private institutions.
5. Students studying for qualifications that are not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status?

After submitting your NSFAS application, you can check your status online. Here is how to check if your NSFAS application has been approved, rejected, or is still being processed:

Step-by-Step NSFAS Status Check

1. Visit the myNSFAS portal at my.nsfas.org.za
2. Log in using your South African ID number and the password you created during your application
3. Navigate to “Track Funding Progress” on your dashboard
4. Check your application status — it will show as one of the following: Submitted, Under Review, Provisionally Funded, Funded, or Unsuccessful

What Do the NSFAS Status Results Mean?

• Submitted: Your application has been received and is in the queue for processing
• Under Review: NSFAS is verifying your information against SARS, Home Affairs, and other databases
• Provisionally Funded: You have been approved in principle, pending confirmation of your registration at an institution
• Funded: Your funding has been confirmed and will be disbursed to your institution
• Unsuccessful: Your application was not approved. You may be eligible to appeal this decision (see the appeal section below)

Can You Check Your NSFAS Status Using Your ID Number?

Yes — your South African ID number is your primary login credential for the myNSFAS portal. If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it on the myNSFAS login page using your ID number and the email address linked to your account.

How to Log In to myNSFAS?

The myNSFAS portal is your gateway to managing your NSFAS application, checking your status, and accessing your funding details. Here is how to log in:

1. Go to my.nsfas.org.za
2. Enter your South African ID number
3. Enter your password (the one you created when you first registered)
4. Click “Login”

Forgot Your myNSFAS Password?

If you have forgotten your myNSFAS password, click “Forgot Password” on the login page. You will need to provide your ID number and the email address you used to register. A password reset link will be sent to your email. If you no longer have access to that email, contact NSFAS directly on 08000 67327.

What Is Coinvest and How Does It Work With NSFAS?

Coinvest is the banking partner that NSFAS uses to disburse personal allowances to funded students. If you have been approved for NSFAS funding, your personal allowances (such as living, transport, and personal care allowances) are paid into a Coinvest account.

How to Register for Coinvest NSFAS

1. Download the Coinvest app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Register using your South African ID number and cellphone number linked to your NSFAS account
3. Complete verification — you will need to verify your identity through the app
4. Access your allowances — once set up, your NSFAS personal allowances will be deposited into your Coinvest wallet

How to Check Your Coinvest Balance?

You can check your Coinvest balance through the Coinvest app, or by dialling the Coinvest USSD code on your cellphone. Your balance will show any NSFAS allowances that have been deposited.

NSFAS Allowance Breakdown for 2026

NSFAS funding covers more than just tuition fees. Here is a breakdown of what NSFAS-funded students can expect to receive:

University Students

• Tuition fees: Paid directly to your university (full coverage)
• Accommodation/Housing allowance: For students in university or private accommodation
• Living allowance: Monthly personal allowance for food and daily expenses
• Transport allowance: For students who are not in university accommodation
• Book allowance: Annual allowance for textbooks and study materials
• Personal care allowance: Annual allowance for personal necessities

TVET College Students

• Tuition fees: Paid directly to your TVET college
• Transport allowance: For students travelling to campus
• Accommodation allowance: If you live more than a certain distance from campus
• Personal allowance: For food and daily necessities

Important: Allowance amounts are reviewed annually by NSFAS. The exact amounts for 2026 will be communicated once confirmed. Personal allowances are paid monthly via your Coinvest account.

How to Appeal an Unsuccessful NSFAS Application?

If your NSFAS application was unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal. Here is how the NSFAS appeals process works:

Common Reasons for NSFAS Rejection

• Household income exceeds the NSFAS threshold
• Incomplete or incorrect information on your application
• Your qualification or institution is not funded by NSFAS
• You have exceeded the maximum number of funded years (N+2 rule)
• You already hold a qualification at the same or higher level

Steps to Appeal Your NSFAS Decision

1. Log in to myNSFAS at my.nsfas.org.za
2. Go to the Appeals section on your dashboard
3. Select the reason for your appeal from the dropdown options
4. Upload supporting documents — this could include updated financial information, proof of income, or a letter explaining your circumstances
5. Submit your appeal before the appeals deadline

Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. NSFAS aims to process appeals within a few weeks, but this can vary during peak periods. You can check the progress of your appeal through the myNSFAS portal.

NSFAS Contact Details

If you need help with your NSFAS application, status check, or any other query, here is how to contact NSFAS:

• NSFAS Call Centre: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Website: www.nsfas.org.za
• myNSFAS Portal: my.nsfas.org.za
• Social Media: Follow @myaboretum on Twitter/X for updates

The NSFAS call centre is available Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. During peak application and registration periods, response times may be longer.

Related Resources on FundiConnect

• UNISA Application Guide — How to apply to UNISA online
• University Application Dates 2027 — All SA university application deadlines
• Student Accommodation Guide — NSFAS-accredited accommodation and cost comparison
• Bursaries for 2026 — Additional funding options beyond NSFAS
• Learnerships 2026 — Earn while you learn with funded programmes
• APS Score Calculator — Calculate your university admission points

Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS

Can I apply for NSFAS if I already have a qualification?

NSFAS does not fund students who already hold a qualification at the same NQF level or higher. However, if you are studying towards a higher-level qualification (for example, upgrading from a diploma to a degree), you may be eligible.

Does NSFAS fund postgraduate studies?

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate studies at public universities and TVET colleges. For postgraduate funding, you should explore options such as the Funza Lushaka Bursary, NRF bursaries, or institution-specific postgraduate funding.

What happens if I change institutions after receiving NSFAS funding?

If you need to transfer to a different university or TVET college, you must inform NSFAS as soon as possible. Your funding can be transferred to the new institution, but this must be arranged through the NSFAS portal and approved before you register.

Can I apply for NSFAS if I am a returning student?

Yes, returning students (those who were previously funded by NSFAS and are continuing their studies) do not need to re-apply. NSFAS automatically carries over your funding provided you are still eligible and meet the academic progression requirements of your institution.

What is the NSFAS income threshold for 2026?

For 2026, NSFAS funding is available to students from households with a combined annual income of up to R350,000 for university students, and up to R350,000 for TVET college students. Students with disabilities may qualify regardless of household income, subject to NSFAS approval.

How long does it take for NSFAS to process an application?

NSFAS typically begins processing applications after the closing date. Results are usually available from January onwards, but this can vary. You can check your application status through the myNSFAS portal at any time.

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