NSFAS 2027 applications close on 31 October: what you need to know
Photo: Adrian Frith, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
NSFAS applications for 2027 funding close on 31 October 2026, and NSFAS says there will be no extensions (IOL). More than 868 000 people had already applied by 19 October (IOL; SABC News).
When do NSFAS 2027 applications close?
Applications close on 31 October 2026. NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said: "There will be no extensions" (IOL).
How many people have applied so far?
NSFAS's application dashboard dated 19 October 2026 showed 868 626 applications for the 2027 funding cycle (IOL). Of these, 616 558 (70.98%) were from female applicants and 252 068 (29.02%) from male applicants (IOL).
How do I apply?
Apply only through the official NSFAS website or the official NSFAS mobile app (IOL). Make sure your information is accurate and complete, and submit all the required supporting documents (IOL).
Does NSFAS funding guarantee me a place to study?
No. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said NSFAS funding does not secure admission, and you must apply to your university or TVET college separately (IOL). Applications for 2027 at public TVET colleges and some public universities already closed on 30 September (IOL).
When will I hear back?
Manamela said funding outcomes will be sent to successful applicants in December, before registration for the 2027 academic year (IOL).
How do I avoid NSFAS scams?
Never pay anyone who offers to submit your application or promises guaranteed funding. NSFAS says no one can guarantee a funding outcome (SABC News). You can report suspected fraud anonymously to [email protected] (SABC News).
FAQ
When is the NSFAS 2027 closing date?
NSFAS applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026, and NSFAS says there will be no extensions.
How many people have applied for NSFAS 2027?
NSFAS's dashboard dated 19 October 2026 showed 868 626 applications, about 71% of them from female applicants.
When will NSFAS 2027 results come out?
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said successful applicants will get their funding outcomes in December.
Does NSFAS funding mean I've been accepted to study?
No. You must apply to your university or TVET college separately; NSFAS funding does not guarantee admission.
Can someone guarantee my NSFAS funding for a fee?
No. NSFAS says no one can guarantee a funding outcome. Apply only through the official NSFAS website or app and report fraud to [email protected].