The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened trimester 3 applications for students enrolled in approved courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Applications opened on 14th August 2026 and are set to close on 23rd August 2026. This gives students just 10 days to apply for the comprehensive funding provided by the government bursary scheme.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses. This funding includes money for tuition and registration fees. In addition, NSFAS-funded students receive allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
This funding is critical as it is aimed at assisting students from poor and working-class backgrounds whose homes would not be able to absorb the costs associated with tertiary education.
It is important to only apply for NSFAS funding now if you want to study in the third trimester of 2026. Don't apply now if you want funding for 2027. Applications for that period will only open in a few weeks time.
How To Apply For NSFAS
The process for submitting an NSFAS application will remain the same for all remaining 2026 cycles and will be the same as the method used by students for the first cycle of 2026.
Therefore, students should apply through the NSFAS website on the myNSFAS portal when applications open.
Guide To Applying For NSFAS
Step 1: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the 'myNSFAS' tab.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS account.
Step 3: Click on the 'APPLY' tab and complete the sections on the screen.
Step 4: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
Step 5: Click on 'Submit'
NSFAS Requirements For TVET College Students
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be registered or intending to register for a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 programme.
- Students must comply with the N+Rule.
- Must not enrol for a qualification that duplicates previous state-funded learning
Applicants will only be approved for NSFAS funding if they fall within the maximum threshold of up to R350,000 of combined gross family income per annum for a bursary or R600,000 for an NSFAS loan.
