NSFAS Bursary - Login | Online Application Portal

Discover the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding online application portal, check out requirements and supporting documents, and learn how to apply for a bursary. Do not be left out of the opportunity to be funded for your studies at any public University or TVET College. Students do not have to wait for their matric results to apply for NSFAS.

Table of Contents

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Bursary

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public entity reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training. NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of a study bursary to qualifying students who wish to study or are already studying at TVET colleges and public universities.

What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover?

Applicants who are approved for NSFAS funding are covered for the following:

Registration
Tuition

Allowances for:

Food
Accommodation or transport
Personal care

Who Qualifies for NSFAS Bursary?

You qualify for an NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2026 or you are already studying at a public university or TVET college and you meet the following requirements:

SASSA grant recipients or
Your combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year or
A person with a disability with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per year or

NSFAS Online Application Requirements

NSFAS may need more information from you to process your application, check what supporting documents are required, and ensure that you have all the relevant information:

You will need the following to complete your NSFAS application:

Your own cellphone number and email address
Copy of your ID or birth certificate
ID copies of parents, guardian,s or spouse
Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable)
Your parents, guardian, or spouse’s proof of income
If you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required
Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form
An applicant who is recognized as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form

NSFAS Supporting Documents

As we continue to improve services to students, NSFAS is verifying what students would have declared in their applications through SASSA, SARS, and the Department of Home Affairs. Based on the application type, the system will generate a list of required documents for upload. We do not accept any affidavits or driver’s license as proof of ID.

The required supporting documents are important in ensuring that NSFAS processes your funding application in time for your registration at an institution of higher learning. Go through the list of required supporting documents below and ensure that you have all of them before you start with the application process:

All applicants must provide:

Valid South African ID number of Applicant
Valid South African ID number of parent(s), guardian, or spouse.
Income information where applicable.

Students with disabilities must provide:

A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form

Students who have indicated no family member’s details must provide:

An applicant who has indicated that s/he has no family member details must complete the 2026 Declaration Form.

How to Apply for NSFAS Bursary

You can apply online using a cellphone, tablet, or computer or Download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username. Follow these simple steps to apply:

Go to nsfas.org.za
Navigate to the ‘myNSFAS’ tab
Tap to create a myNSFAS account
Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and answer the questions on the screen
Upload the required supporting documents
Tap on ‘Submit’

After you click on ‘submit’, your application reference number will appear on the screen. The reference number will also be sent to the cellphone number and email address you provided. Here’s how to Login NSFAS Portal to check your status.