NSFAS Application For Second Semester 2026

NSFAS Application For Second Semester 2026

If you missed the first round of applications or recently decided to pursue higher education, the NSFAS second-semester application is your chance to access financial support. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) opens second-semester applications in July 2025 for the 2026 academic year. In addition, the application period for the Second Trimester is in May 2025, and for the Third Trimester, it begins in September 2025. These staggered opportunities are ideal for students who are starting or continuing their studies later in the academic year.

NSFAS is committed to helping qualifying South African students access higher education without the stress of unaffordable tuition and living costs. By funding university and TVET college studies, NSFAS allows students from low-income households to study without financial pressure.

In this post, we will explore everything you need to know about applying for NSFAS in the second semester. From checking if you qualify and gathering the right documents to submitting your application before the deadline, we will walk you through each step. This guide is designed to help you prepare and apply with confidence, giving you a better chance of receiving the financial assistance you need to focus on your studies and reach your goals.

READ ALSO: NSFAS Appeal Online 2026

What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?


NSFAS funding helps approved students by covering essential study-related costs. This includes tuition and registration fees for all funded students. In addition, students studying at a university may also receive allowances for books, transport, accommodation, meals, and personal care, depending on their circumstances. For those attending a TVET college, NSFAS offers allowances for transport, accommodation (which includes meals), and personal care.

Students living with disabilities also receive support through NSFAS, with allowances aligned to the university or TVET college rates. This support may include funding for assistive devices such as wheelchairs, special computer equipment, and even human support services, depending on each student’s needs.

NSFAS aims to reduce the financial burden and ensure that students can focus on their studies without worrying about the cost of higher education. The specific allowances may vary, so it is important to review the latest funding guidelines each year.

NSFAS Second Semester Submission Dates And Deadlines 2026

The National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme is accepting applications for the second semester of the academic year 2026. These are the dates and deadlines for each type of application are listed below:

• Second 2 Trimester: May 2025
• Second 2 Semester: July 2025
• Third 3 Trimester: September

Eligibility Criteria For the 2026 Second Semester

To be eligible for a second-semester NSFAS bursary, applicants must meet the requirements, such as the ones listed below:

• Permanent residents or South African citizens
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined household income is not up to R350 000 per annum
• Persons facing health problems(disability) whose household income is also not up to R600 000 per annum
• Must have an email account and cell phone number

Academic Requirements for NSFAS 2026

To qualify for NSFAS funding, you need to meet certain academic requirements. If you want to study at a TVET college, you must have passed at least Grade 9. However, for university studies or certain TVET programs, you need to have completed Grade 12. Meeting these minimum requirements is important, but it is only part of the process. Even if your NSFAS application is successful, funding will only be granted once you have been accepted by a university or TVET college.

This means you must meet the academic admission standards set by the institution where you plan to study. NSFAS funding is not automatically applied just because you qualify for the bursary—you must also be officially admitted into your chosen course or program.

Required documents For NSFAS 2026 Second Semester Application

NSFAS requires personal information from agencies relating to the employment status and level of income of the parents or guardians/spouse of the applicant. Therefore, the folowing documents are required to apply for 2026;

• NSFAS Declaration Form is completed by the Principal of the School or the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
• The Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form (for applicants under 18 years) is completed by the Social Worker. (Non-SASSA only).
• The NSFAS Consent form is completed by the applicant and/or parent/s, guardians or spouse. SASSA recipients do not require this form. (Non-SASSA only).
• If an applicant has indicated that they have a Legal guardian, they must provide proof of guardianship issued by the Court.
• Guardianship (not court-appointed) applicant to provide NSFAS declaration form.
• Disability Annexure Form: The form must be filled out by a certified, duly registered medical doctor or another suitably qualified professional (such as an optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of the disability unit), who may confirm the student’s status as disabled and specify the kind of support the student needs as well as how the student would benefit from the suggested support.

READ: Online College Courses 2026-2027

How To Apply For NSFAS 2026 Second Semester

Follow these steps below if you want to apply for NSFAS Second Semester 2026;

• Create a profile:

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. And your ID number will be your username.

• Apply now:

Click on the ‘Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated

• Complete:

Submit your application

Take Note: Don’t forget to check the NSFAS official website regularly for any changes or updates. Hope this information is useful, and don’t forget to comment in the section box below with your ideas and thoughts regarding this post.

When Will Application Results Be Communicated?

NSFAS will let you know the outcome of your application once your chosen institution confirms that you have been offered a place to study. This means that your funding status will only be finalized after the institution has officially accepted you.

Once everything is confirmed, NSFAS will send your results before the academic year begins. You will receive the notification through SMS, email, and your myNSFAS account, so make sure your contact details are up to date and check your messages regularly.

Contact NSFAS

For general and student enquiries:

For all other queries regarding students:

• Tel No.: 08000 67327
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za

Physical Address (Head Office):

• The Halyard,
• 4 Christiaan Barnard St,
• Cape Town City Centre,
• Cape Town, 8001

Visit the official website of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful. Share your thoughts below in the comment section.

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