NSFAS 2027 applications open: Students urged to apply early

EDUCATION NEWS - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened its application cycle for 2027, with Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela urging prospective students to apply early rather than waiting until the deadline.

The 2027 cycle opened on Friday, 18 September, as thousands of young South Africans prepare to make decisions about their studies and how they will fund their education.

Manamela announced the opening during a media briefing in Parktown, Johannesburg, saying the application period was about creating opportunities for young people whose financial circumstances could otherwise prevent them from pursuing tertiary education.

“Today’s launch is therefore about much more than opening an application window. It is about opening doors of opportunity and ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent deserving young South Africans from building their futures,” he said.

NSFAS introduces changes for 2027

NSFAS has introduced several changes aimed at improving the application process and student experience.

These include:

direct extraction of student information from institutional systems;
automated document verification;
electronic document signing; and
a modernised student-support environment.

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

Work has also begun on a Loan Management System to support student loans for students who fall into the so-called “missing middle” category.

The Minister said NSFAS was also working to improve the administration of appeals by addressing historical weaknesses, strengthening communication and ensuring appeals are handled according to clear rules and timelines.

Don't wait until the deadline

The 2027 NSFAS application cycle closes on 18 November 2026, with funding outcomes for successful applicants expected to be communicated in December ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.

Manamela encouraged prospective students to apply as early as possible.

Early applications give students more time to check their information, submit outstanding documents and seek assistance if they experience difficulties.

NSFAS will also deploy outreach teams to 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 help people who may otherwise struggle to access information about student funding.

Support for the ‘missing middle’

Manamela also highlighted efforts to expand financial support for students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries but still cannot comfortably afford the full cost of tertiary education.

These students may earn too much to qualify for a bursary while still being unable to cover expenses such as tuition, accommodation and study materials.

Government is strengthening the missing-middle loan scheme as an additional funding option for eligible students who fall outside the NSFAS bursary threshold.

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

TVET college applications also open

Young people were also encouraged to consider opportunities 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 Grade 9 learners and above, school leavers and people looking to develop new skills to research available programmes and identify qualifications that match their interests and career goals.

Importantly, admission and NSFAS funding applications are separate processes.

Students must apply for admission to their chosen institution and separately apply for NSFAS funding if they require financial assistance.

With demand for student financial aid continuing to grow, Manamela said the record number of NSFAS applications received during the 2026 cycle highlighted the need for continued improvements to the scheme's systems and service delivery.

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