By STAFF REPORTER

28 October 2026 – Students yet to apply for funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the 2027 academic year have until Saturday, 31 October 2026, to submit their applications.

Applications opened on 18 September 2026, with NSFAS recording 868,626 applications on its dashboard as of 19 October.

Of the applications received, 800,382 were from prospective university students, while 68,244 were submitted by applicants intending to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The figures show that female applicants accounted for 616,558 (70.98%) of the total, compared with 252,068 (29.02%) male applicants.

The dashboard further indicated that 653,778 applicants were beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), while 214,848 were non-SASSA applicants.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has urged prospective students, particularly Grade 12 learners, to apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the closing date.

“I want to take this opportunity to call on those, especially those who are doing Grade 12, to apply now, and not wait for the 31st of October when the applications close. Don’t pay anyone to apply for NSFAS,” said Manamela.

NSFAS has encouraged applicants to ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete, and that the required supporting documents are submitted.

The scheme has also cautioned prospective beneficiaries against fraudulent social media accounts and unauthorised individuals who demand payment for application assistance or falsely promise guaranteed funding.

Applicants are urged to use only official NSFAS platforms and to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid missing out on financial assistance for the 2027 academic year.

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