Missed NSFAS? This 2027 bursary is still open until 31 January

NSFAS applications for 2027 closed on Saturday, 31 October 2026, and there will be no extension. NSFAS said so in its 28 October statement, and its application page says nothing can be submitted after the closing date.

If you missed it and want to study teaching, one big state bursary is still open. First-time applicants for the Funza Lushaka bursary have until 31 January 2027, according to the Department of Basic Education.

Can I still apply for NSFAS for 2027?

No. NSFAS repeated several times before the deadline that late applications cannot be accepted (NSFAS). The University of Cape Town's funding FAQ says the same thing: no late NSFAS applications are allowed unless NSFAS itself announces an exception.

More than a million people applied for 2027 funding by 28 October (gov.za).

Which student funding is still open for 2027?

Sources: NSFAS, Department of Basic Education, ISFAP on LinkedIn.

What does Funza Lushaka pay for?

The bursary covers tuition, accommodation or transport if you live at home, meals, learning materials, a personal care allowance and teaching practice support (Department of Basic Education).

In return, you teach. When you qualify, your provincial education department places you in a teaching post. You can't choose the school and you can't defer the placement (e-Services).

Who can apply for Funza Lushaka?

• First-time applicants must be younger than 30 (e-Services).
• You must already be accepted or provisionally accepted at a university and have a student number before you apply (application notes).
• You'll be screened against the criminal record, sexual offenders and child protection registers. An offence less than 10 years old on any of them rules you out (application notes).
• You must be studying in a priority subject area, which you capture on the form (application notes).

There are only a limited number of new bursaries for 2027, and the department advises applicants to also look for other funding (e-Services). Your university will tell you the outcome by 30 April 2027 at the latest.

How do I apply for Funza Lushaka?

Apply online only, at eservices.gov.za. Register, log in, choose Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme from the menu, enter the one-time PIN and click the 2027 application button (Funza Lushaka). Supporting documents go to your university's Funza Lushaka office.

For help, call the department on 012 357 3000 or email [email protected] (Department of Basic Education).

What about ISFAP?

The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme funds students from households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 a year, a group too well off for NSFAS but unable to pay fees (ISFAP). Its 2027 intake has closed, and ISFAP says applicants will be notified of their outcome using the contact details they gave (ISFAP on LinkedIn).

I applied for NSFAS. How do I check my status?

Log in to your myNSFAS account on nsfas.org.za and track your application with the reference number you saved when you submitted.

How do I avoid funding scams?

NSFAS applications are free, and no person or organisation can guarantee you funding, the scheme warned before the deadline (EWN). Anyone asking for money to "fix" a late application or promising a bursary for a fee is a scammer. Funza Lushaka is also free and online only.