Verified 12 October 2026
NSFAS 2027 applications are open: apply by 31 October 2026
The 2027 cycle opened on 18 September 2026 and closes at 23:59 on 31 October 2026. Apply free on myNSFAS or the official NSFAS app. NSFAS says there will be no extension, so do not leave it to the last week.
Latest confirmed update
Applications open until 31 October 2026
- Opened: 18 September 2026, at the minister’s launch in Johannesburg.
- Closes: 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time. No extension is planned.
- Results: funding decisions by 30 November, outcomes in December, appeals from 10 to 24 December 2026.
- Demand: NSFAS received 51,474 applications in the first four days.
The minister’s launch speech gave 18 November as the closing date, but NSFAS’s website, board and later statements all say 31 October. Ignore posts that give a January 2027 closing date or claim the deadline was extended. NSFAS has also warned that its budget is under pressure, so apply early and make sure your application is complete.
What do you need to do?
2027 applicants
Apply before 31 October
Step-by-step myNSFAS application, the 2027 consent form, documents and who qualifies.
Application guide →Dates
2027 dates and results timetable
Opening and closing dates, when results and appeals are planned, and the dates to ignore.
See the timetable →Already applied
Check an application status
Sign in, open your tracker and understand each stage of the 2027 application journey.
Status guide →myNSFAS login help
Sign in with your ID number, password and one-time PIN, and reset a forgotten password.
Login guide →Allowances
What NSFAS covers and why 2027 allowance amounts are not published yet.
Allowance guide →Contact NSFAS
Toll-free number, email, WhatsApp, USSD and the fraud-reporting address.
Contact details →Before you apply: three checks
Do you qualify?
Bursary: household income of R350,000 or less a year (R600,000 with a disability), or a verified SASSA grant. Households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 can be considered for NSFAS’s missing-middle loan, which must be repaid.
Is your consent form ready?
Every applicant needs the signed 2027 consent form. NSFAS says an application without an accurate, signed consent form is closed and marked rejected.
Can you get into your account?
Your ID number is your myNSFAS username, and a one-time PIN goes to your cellphone. Use your own number and email, and never share your password or PIN.
What changed for the 2027 cycle
- You can create a profile, apply, upload documents and get your reference number in the NSFAS app as well as on the website.
- The minister says NSFAS now uses automated document verification and electronic document signing, and verifies registration and banking details with Home Affairs.
- NSFAS has returned to board-led governance after a period under an administrator, and work has started on a loan management system for the missing-middle loan.
- NSFAS is running provincial application drives from 5 to 24 October 2026; venues are listed on nsfas.org.za.
Use only official NSFAS channels
Need WhatsApp or USSD? See our contact guide; NSFAS’s pages currently list two different versions.
NSFAS 2027 FAQs
- Are NSFAS 2027 applications open?
- Yes. NSFAS opened its 2027 application cycle on 18 September 2026. As checked on 12 October 2026, applications are open on myNSFAS (my.nsfas.org.za) and in the official NSFAS app.
- What is the NSFAS 2027 closing date?
- NSFAS says applications close at 23:59 South African time on 31 October 2026, and its board has said there will be no extension. The minister’s launch speech mentioned 18 November 2026, but NSFAS’s own website and statements give 31 October.
- Who qualifies for NSFAS in 2027?
- South African citizens and permanent residents studying, or planning to study, at a public university or TVET college can apply. For a bursary, combined household income must be R350,000 or less a year, or R600,000 or less for applicants with a disability. Verified SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial test.
- Where do I apply for NSFAS?
- Apply only on myNSFAS at my.nsfas.org.za or in the official NSFAS app linked from www.nsfas.org.za. Create or sign in to your profile, select Apply, complete the form, upload the requested documents and submit. Applying is free.
- When will NSFAS 2027 results be released?
- NSFAS plans to finish its funding decisions by 30 November 2026 and audit them from 1 to 9 December. The minister said successful applicants will be told in December. Appeals are planned for 10 to 24 December 2026.
- How do I check my NSFAS application status?
- Sign in to myNSFAS or the NSFAS app with your ID number and password. NSFAS sends a one-time PIN to your cellphone. Then open your application tracker to see its current stage and any action required.
- What is the official NSFAS contact number?
- The official toll-free number is 08000 67327 (also written 0800 067 327) and the general email address is info@nsfas.org.za. NSFAS lists WhatsApp and USSD channels too, but two NSFAS pages currently show different details, so check our contact guide first.