National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2027 applications are closing in on 870,000.
And there are just days left to apply.
NSFAS says it won’t extend the deadline.
So if you’re planning to study in 2027 and need funding, now’s the time to act.
NSFAS has received 868,626 applications for the 2027 funding cycle, according to its latest application dashboard, dated 19 October.
In a media release on Tuesday, 20 October, the scheme urged students who haven’t yet applied to do so before the deadline.
WHEN DO NSFAS 2027 APPLICATIONS CLOSE?
Applications close at 23:59 on Saturday, 31 October 2026.
There will be no extension. The NSFAS board has already confirmed this.
HOW TO APPLY
NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi said applications can be submitted through the official NSFAS website, or the scheme’s official mobile app.
He urged applicants to make sure all their supporting documents are submitted correctly, and that consent forms are completed where required, to help NSFAS verify their applications.
HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE APPLIED?
Demand has been strong since applications opened on 18 September.
NSFAS received 51,474 applications in the first four days alone.
By 19 October, that figure had grown to more than 868,000.
WHO QUALIFIES?
NSFAS funds qualifying students at public universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
Applicants generally need a combined gross household income of R350,000 or less a year, or R600,000 or less for applicants with disabilities.
BEWARE OF NSFAS SCAMS
Applying for NSFAS is free.
Never pay anyone to apply on your behalf, and never share your myNSFAS password or one-time PIN (OTP).
You can report NSFAS scams to the Vuvuzela fraud hotline on 0860 247 653.
HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR NSFAS FUNDING FOR 2027?
Let us know in the comments below…