NSFAS late application 2025/2026

Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, announced that NSFAS will not be taking late applications from students wanting to be funded for the 2025/2026 academic year.

In a statement released by the Department, it was announced that the Nsfas process is not closed to those students who will be accepted at universities and colleges who might not have applied for NSFAS assistance. According to the department, there is already a process in place to manage this between institutions and NSFAS to ensure that late applicants that have been accepted for registered places can access funding if they qualify.

NSFAS funding comes in the form of a bursary and is only payable once you have a secured job after you finish your studies. It will cover the entire duration of your studies as long as pass the modules and complete the academic requirements.

Application Dates

  • Opening date: 1st August 2025/2026
  • Closing date: 30th November 2025/2026

Requirements to apply

  • A South African citizen with a valid South Africa ID (unfortunately no foreign students may apply)
  • Your combined household income must not exceed R350 000 per annum
  • If you are disabled, 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 will the funding cover

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

What you will need to submit your application

  • Copy of your ID or birth certificate
  • ID copies of parents, guardian 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

* Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, none of the documents are to required to be certified.

How do I apply

  • Follow this link here
  • 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 fill out your application and providing the necessary supporting documentation

Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms

  1. Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:

    Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.

  2. Free Online Education Degrees: edX:

    Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.

  3. Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:

    Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.

  4. Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:

    Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.

  5. Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):

    MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.

  6. Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:

    Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.

  7. Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:

    Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.

  8. Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):

    OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.

  9. Best Free Online Courses : FutureLearn:

    FutureLearn partners with universities and institutions to offer a diverse range of free online courses. Certificates are available for a fee.

  10. Best Free Online Courses: Alison:

    Alison offers a wide range of free online courses, including diploma and certificate programs, covering various subjects.

  11. Best Free Online Courses: Open Yale Courses:

    Yale University provides free access to a selection of introductory courses through Open Yale Courses.

  12. Best Free Online Courses : UC Berkeley Online:

    UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.

  13. Best Free Online Courses : Google Digital Garage:

    Google Digital Garage provides free courses on digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and more.

  14. Best Free Online Courses : Codecademy:

    Codecademy offers free coding courses, interactive exercises, and coding projects to help individuals learn programming languages.

  15. Best Free Online Courses : LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com):

    LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.



Did you know : International Scholarships 2024

There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
  2. Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
  3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
  4. Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
  5. Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.

These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.

Related Posts: