NSFAS 2027 applications officially open

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has officially opened applications for the 2027 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding cycle.

The application period opened on 18 September 2026 and will close on 31 October 2026, with successful applicants expected to receive their funding outcomes in December ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.

Manamela made the announcement on Friday during the launch of the NSFAS 2027 application cycle at the MQA offices in Parktown, Johannesburg.

The minister urged prospective students not to wait until the final day to submit their applications, saying applying early would give applicants time to verify their information, submit outstanding documents and seek assistance if they experienced difficulties.

“The 2027 NSFAS application cycle officially opens today and will close on 31 October 2026,” Manamela said.

He said the opening of the application window was about more than simply providing access to funding, describing it as an opportunity to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent deserving young South Africans from pursuing education and training.

NSFAS introduces system improvements

According to Manamela, NSFAS has introduced several improvements for the 2027 funding cycle aimed at making the application process more efficient and improving the experience of students.

These include the direct extraction of student information from institutional systems to strengthen data integrity, reduce errors and improve the accuracy of funding decisions.

The scheme is also introducing automated document verification, electronic document signing and a modernised student-support environment, which Manamela said would help improve service delivery and response times.

The verification of student registration and banking details is also being strengthened through collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs.

Manamela said work had also begun on developing a Loan Management System to support the administration of student loans for students who fall into the “missing middle” category.

The minister said attention had also been given to the administration of appeals, with NSFAS working to address historical weaknesses, improve communication with students and ensure that appeals are handled according to clear rules and timelines.

Funding support for the missing middle

Manamela said government recognised that some students fall outside the NSFAS bursary threshold but still struggle to afford the cost of higher education.

“These are the students commonly referred to as the ‘missing middle’,” he said.

He explained that these students may earn too much to qualify for a bursary but not enough to comfortably cover tuition, accommodation, study materials and other costs associated with tertiary education.

According to Manamela, the missing-middle loan scheme provides an additional funding pathway for eligible students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries but require financial assistance.

The loans will be repayable according to the applicable terms and conditions.

“Our objective is clear: no deserving young person should have to abandon the pursuit of education simply because their household income falls between two funding categories,” Manamela said.

Students urged to apply for admission

Manamela also cautioned prospective students that applying for NSFAS funding does not guarantee admission to a university or TVET college.

Students must separately apply to the institution and qualification they wish to pursue.

He encouraged young people to research their study and career options, with more information available through the Khetha portal.

TVET college applications closing soon

The minister also urged young people to consider opportunities available at public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

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

Manamela encouraged prospective students, including those who have completed Grade 9 and beyond, school leavers and those seeking to acquire new skills, to research programmes offered by TVET colleges and apply before the deadline.

He stressed that students who apply for admission and require financial assistance must also submit an NSFAS application.

“Admission and funding are two important steps in planning your educational journey,” Manamela said.

NSFAS outreach to communities

As part of the 2027 application drive, Manamela said outreach teams would be deployed across provinces, districts, rural communities, townships and marginalised communities.

The teams will work with schools, provincial education departments, community stakeholders and institutions to help eligible learners and prospective students access information and application support.

Manamela said the participation of Johannesburg schools, including learners with disabilities, at the launch highlighted the importance of ensuring that access to funding is inclusive.

“Every learner, regardless of background or circumstance, must have an opportunity to access financial support for education and training,” he said.

NSFAS and South Africa's future

Manamela said the NSFAS programme was an important part of government's efforts to expand access to education and skills development.

He said investment in student funding contributes to developing South Africa's future workforce and supports the country's economic and social development.

“Every student who receives NSFAS funding represents the potential to become a teacher, engineer, artisan, entrepreneur, scientist, healthcare professional, public servant or community leader,” Manamela said.

He urged young people to take responsibility for their applications and make use of the opportunities available to them.

“Do not wait for someone else to apply on your behalf. Do not wait until the final day,” Manamela said.

The 2027 application cycle is being launched under the theme “NSFAS 2027: Ready to Fund the Future.”

NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year are now open and will close on 31 October 2026.