NSFAS opens 2027 funding — here’s what students need to know - IOL

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela officially launched the NSFAS 2027 application cycle in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Friday.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year, with prospective students given until October 31,2026, to submit their applications.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced the opening of the funding cycle in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Friday, saying successful applicants are expected to receive their funding outcomes in December.

The move is aimed at giving students greater certainty about their financial position before universities and colleges begin registration for the 2027 academic year.

“I am pleased to announce that the 2027 NSFAS application cycle officially opens today and will close on October 31, 2026,” Manamela said.

“Funding outcomes will be communicated to successful applicants in December, providing greater certainty ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.”

The launch comes as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme attempts to tighten its systems following a period of institutional upheaval.

Manamela said NSFAS had moved out of administration and returned to a board-led governance structure after four months of significant transition.

“Our message today is clear: these interventions have always been about strengthening NSFAS, its stability, governance, effectiveness and ability to fulfil its most important responsibility,” he said.

The minister said NSFAS received a record number of applications during the 2026 cycle, putting further pressure on the scheme to improve its systems and service delivery.

For 2027, NSFAS is introducing automated document verification, electronic document signing and stronger checks on student information.

Student data will also be extracted directly from institutional systems in an attempt to reduce errors and improve the accuracy of funding decisions.

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

“These improvements are intended to make the application process simpler, faster, more secure and more responsive to students,” Manamela said.

NSFAS is also moving to address problems with its appeals process, an area Manamela acknowledged has suffered from historical weaknesses.

The scheme is working to improve communication with students and ensure appeals are dealt with according to clearer rules and timelines.

The changes form part of a wider effort to stabilise NSFAS and ensure students receive funding decisions before the academic year begins.

“The stability of NSFAS is not an end in itself. Behind every application is a young person whose future depends on this institution functioning effectively,” Manamela said.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that NSFAS can perform its mandate sustainably, fairly and efficiently.”

Government is meanwhile expanding its focus beyond traditional NSFAS bursaries, with Manamela saying work has begun on a Loan Management System for students who fall into the so-called “missing middle”.

These are students whose household income puts them above the NSFAS bursary threshold but whose families may still be unable to afford tuition, accommodation, study materials and other higher-education costs.

“We cannot ignore these students,” Manamela said.

“A young person should not be excluded from the opportunity to study simply because their household income falls just above a bursary threshold, yet they are still unable to meet the actual cost of education.”

The government is strengthening the missing-middle loan scheme as an additional funding route for eligible students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries. Unlike bursaries, the loans are repayable under applicable terms and conditions.

Manamela urged prospective students to submit applications as soon as possible instead of waiting until the final days of the application period.

“To all prospective applicants: do not wait until the closing date. Apply as early as possible,” he said.

“Applying early gives you time to verify your information, submit outstanding documentation and seek assistance if you encounter challenges.”

NSFAS will also deploy outreach teams across provinces, districts, rural areas, townships and marginalised communities to help prospective students access information and application support.

The department said it would work with schools, provincial education departments, community stakeholders and institutions to reach applicants who may struggle to access information about student funding.

Manamela also warned applicants that securing NSFAS funding does not automatically secure a place at a university or TVET college.

“Application to NSFAS does not guarantee access to your chosen area of study. You must also apply to institutions, as funding eligibility alone will not ensure a place to study in your chosen qualification,” he said.

Applications for the 2027 academic year at public TVET colleges are meanwhile due to close on 30 September 2026.

Manamela urged prospective students to apply separately for admission and NSFAS funding where financial assistance is required.

“Admission and funding are two important steps in planning your educational journey,” he said.