NSFAS applications for 2027 close on 31 October

Prospective students seeking financial assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2027 academic year must submit their applications by 31 October 2026.

NSFAS acting board chairperson Richardt Tlou Ramashia urged applicants to apply early, submit the correct documentation and note that the application deadline will not be extended.

Speaking at the launch of the 2027 application cycle in Johannesburg, Ramashia said the timetable was deliberately rigid to give NSFAS sufficient time to process applications, audit its decisions and resolve appeals before the academic year begins.

“The application system is open and will close on 31 October this year. By 30 November, we envisage having concluded our decisions on funding. This will be based on eligibility criteria,” he said.

From 1 to 9 December, NSFAS will audit its funding decisions to ensure that only eligible students are approved and that no qualifying applicant is denied assistance because of an administrative error.

Students who disagree with their funding decisions will be allowed to submit appeals between 10 and 24 December. NSFAS plans to publish the outcomes of all appeals by 9 January 2027 and provide institutions with a list of funded students by 11 January.

Ramashia said the scheme was ready to receive, process and adjudicate the applications expected during the cycle.

Ramashia said NSFAS had conducted extensive checks to prevent technical problems from excluding applicants.

Apply using your cellphone

A major feature of the new application cycle is the enhanced NSFAS mobile application platform. It allows students to create profiles, apply for funding, upload supporting documents and receive confirmation on their mobile devices.

Applicants must ensure that all supporting documents are complete and readable. Ramashia warned that incomplete or illegible documents remain among the main causes of processing delays.

A completed and signed consent form must also be submitted to allow NSFAS to verify the financial information of an applicant’s parents or guardians. Failure to submit it could result in an application being rejected.

Applicants must press the final “submit” button and confirm that they have received a unique reference number, which can be used to track the application. 

This information was supplied by NSFAS.

To apply for NSFAS funding, visit: www.nsfas.org.za