The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is encouraged by the strong response from prospective applicants following the official opening of the 2027 NSFAS Application Cycle, with a total of 51,474 applications successfully received within the first four days of the application period.
The early application figures demonstrate the continued importance of NSFAS in enabling access to higher education and training for deserving South African students and reflect growing awareness of the opportunities available through government-funded student financial aid.
According to the latest application dashboard statistics, NSFAS has recorded a student headcount of 49,413 applicants, indicating that thousands of prospective students have already begun their journey towards accessing higher education and training opportunities in the 2027 academic year.
Of the applications received to date:
- 43,297 applications have been submitted by first-time entering students and prospective applicants;
- 6,865 applications have been received from Further Education and Training (FET) applicants;
- 1,312 applications have been submitted by senior applicants seeking funding opportunities;
- 12,625 applicants have indicated that they are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA); and
- 52 applications have been received from students living with disabilities.
The data further indicates that female applicants continue to make up the majority of applications received, accounting for 38,121 applications (74.06%), while male applicants account for 13,353 applications (25.94%).
The majority of applications have been received from young people between the ages of 18 and 29, highlighting the continued demand for financial assistance amongst learners and prospective students transitioning from secondary education into the post-school education and training sector.
NSFAS has also made significant progress in processing applications received thus far.
The Scheme is encouraged by the high level of participation and wishes to commend learners, parents, guardians, schools and stakeholders who have actively supported prospective applicants since the opening of the application period.
NSFAS reminds all prospective applicants that the application period will close on 31 October 2026.
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and not wait until the closing stages of the application period. Applicants are also urged to ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted correctly and that consent forms are completed where required to facilitate verification processes.
The NSFAS Board has already communicated that there will be no extension of the application period, and all eligible applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
The Scheme will continue to provide regular updates on application trends and progress throughout the application period as part of its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Prospective applicants may apply online through the NSFAS website or utilise the NSFAS mobile application platform available on Android and Apple devices.
Enquiries:
Ishmael Mnisi
Spokesperson
E-mail: media@nsfas.org.za
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