Planning to study in 2027? NSFAS applications are officially open

Students planning to study at university or a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in 2027 can now apply for financial assistance through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela officially opened the 2027 NSFAS application cycle during a media briefing in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Friday.

Prospective students have until 18 November 2026 to submit their applications.

Students urged not to wait

Manamela encouraged prospective students to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Applying early gives students more time to check their information, provide any outstanding documents and get assistance if they encounter problems during the application process.

NSFAS will also deploy outreach teams across provinces, districts, rural areas and marginalised communities to provide information and application assistance.

The teams will work with schools, provincial education departments, community stakeholders and institutions to reach students who may otherwise struggle to access funding information.

Changes coming to NSFAS applications

NSFAS has introduced several changes for the 2027 cycle to improve the application process and student experience.

These include:

• Direct extraction of student information from institutional systems to strengthen data integrity.
• Automated document verification.
• Electronic document signing.
• A modernised student-support environment.
• Stronger verification of student registration and banking details through collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs.
• Work on a new Loan Management System for student loans.

The scheme has also been working to improve the handling of appeals, with the aim of strengthening communication with students and ensuring appeals are dealt with according to clear rules and timelines.

Manamela said the changes are intended to make the application process simpler, faster, more secure and more responsive.

Successful applicants are expected to receive their funding outcomes in December, ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.

The Minister said the changes come as demand for student financial aid continues to increase, with NSFAS receiving a record number of applications during the 2026 cycle.

What about the ‘missing middle’?

Government is also working on another funding option for students who fall outside the NSFAS bursary threshold but still cannot comfortably afford higher education.

These students are often referred to as the “missing middle” because their household income may be too high for a bursary but not high enough to comfortably cover tuition, accommodation, study materials and other tertiary education costs.

Manamela said government is strengthening the missing-middle loan scheme as an additional funding pathway.

Unlike a bursary, the loans are repayable according to the applicable terms and conditions.

The Minister said the scheme is intended to expand the funding system beyond the traditional bursary model while providing another option for students who could otherwise face financial exclusion.

Manamela also urged young people to consider studying at public TVET colleges.

Applications for the 2027 academic year at public TVET colleges are open until 30 September 2026.

The Minister encouraged Grade 9 learners and older students, school leavers and people looking to gain new skills to research the programmes available and consider qualifications that align with their interests and career plans.

Importantly, applying for admission and applying for NSFAS funding are separate processes.

Students must apply to the institution where they want to study and then separately apply for NSFAS funding if they require financial assistance.