Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela held a media briefing this morning to announce all the details for this year's NSFAS application process.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme falls under his department, and is tasked with providing full bursaries for students from families who earn below the qualifying threshold. The scheme covers all 26 of South Africa's public universities, and all 52 TVET Colleges in the country. It does not cover students who study at private institutions - even those that are fully accredited.
NSFAS Board Chairman has confirmed that bursary applications will open today 18th September 2027. The application window will be open until the 31st October 2027.
Applications for NSFAS funding should be made on the NSFAS website at my.nsfas.org.za.
The criteria for funding remain the same, with all South Africans able to apply if their family income is not more than R350,000 per year.
This year's application system has been developed to make them accessible to applicants who rely on cellphones to submit their details.
The Minister urged young people who want to study next year to apply early and not leave things to the end of the application window.
However NSFAS does not work on a 'first come first served' model so if applicants experience problems in the first few days they can still apply, and won't be disadvantaged.
Minister Manamela was also at pains to stress to young people that as well as applying for NSFAS they must also apply to study at the university or TVET College that they are interested in.
Manamela was at pains to confirm that South Africans of all races are eligible for NSFAS bursary funding, and he urged all who are interested to apply regardless of their race.
There is also no age limit to NSFAS applications, with last year's record being set by a 72 year old who applied for funding.
This is a developing story.
