NSFAS Bursary 2027: Eligibility, Documents and How to Apply

Paying for university or college is hard for many families in South Africa The NSFAS bursary 2027 exists to make that burden lighter If you want to study next year but money is a worry, this guide will help you understand your options and apply the right way.

What Is NSFAS?

NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme It is a government-funded programme that helps students from low-income households study at public universities and TVET colleges. A bursary is money you generally do not have to pay back, as long as you follow the funding rules.

What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?

What you get depends on your institution, your course and your personal situation. Funding may include:

• Tuition fees
• Approved accommodation
• A transport allowance for students who live at home
• Learning materials and books
• A personal care allowance

Not every student receives every item. Check the official NSFAS guidelines for your own case.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS in 2027?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Have been accepted, or plan to study, at a public university or TVET college
• Meet the household income limit
• Meet the academic and registration requirements
• Give true and accurate information

Foreign students who are not permanent residents cannot get NSFAS funding.

Household Income Limits

• SASSA grant recipients: You meet the income requirement automatically once your grant is verified.
• Other applicants: Your combined household income should generally be R350,000 a year or less.
• Students with disabilities: The limit is generally R600,000 a year.

Meeting the income rule alone does not guarantee funding. You must also meet the academic rules.

Documents You Should Prepare

Get these ready before you start, so the process goes smoothly:

• Your South African ID or smart ID details
• A working cellphone number and email address
• Details of your parent, guardian or spouse, if this applies
• A signed NSFAS consent form
• Proof of income, if NSFAS asks for it
• Proof of disability, if this applies

Make sure every upload is clear and easy to read. Blurry files are a common reason for delays.

How to Apply for NSFAS 2027

Everything is done online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official NSFAS website and choose the 2027 application option.
2. Create a myNSFAS account using your ID details, phone number and email. If you already have one, just log in.
3. Fill in your details, including your household income.
4. Upload your documents, including the consent form.
5. Submit your application. Do not stop at upload. A file that is uploaded but not submitted is not received by NSFAS.
6. Save your reference number so you can track your progress.

Application Dates and Deadline

The 2027 application window opened on 18 September 2026. Reports say it closes on 31 October 2026. Some websites list other dates, so please confirm the final closing date on the official NSFAS website before you apply. Do not wait for the last day. Websites often become slow when thousands of students apply at once.

How to Check Your Application Status

Log in to your myNSFAS account to see how your application is going. You may see that it is under review, that documents are missing, or that a funding decision has been made. If NSFAS asks for more documents, upload them quickly. If your application is declined, read the reason and check the appeal steps in your account.