South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received 868,626 applications for its 2027 funding cycle, warning prospective students that the application deadline will not be extended.
The figure, recorded in the scheme’s application dashboard on 19 October 2026, was reported on Tuesday as NSFAS urged eligible students to submit their applications before the 31 October deadline.
According to the figures, female applicants accounted for 616,558 submissions, representing 70.98 per cent of the total, while male applicants submitted 252,068 applications, or 29.02 per cent.
University applicants accounted for 800,382 submissions, while 68,244 applications came from prospective students seeking funding to attend technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.
The dashboard also showed that 653,778 applications came from applicants linked to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), while 214,848 were submitted by applicants outside that category.
NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi urged prospective students to apply through the scheme’s official website or mobile application and ensure that their information and supporting documents were complete and accurate.
The scheme also warned applicants against fraudulent social media accounts and individuals demanding payment in exchange for application assistance or promises of guaranteed funding. NSFAS applications are free, and no individual or organisation can guarantee a successful outcome.
Funding decisions are expected to be communicated to successful applicants in December, according to Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. The announcement is intended to give students greater certainty ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.
However, NSFAS funding does not guarantee admission to a university or TVET college. Prospective students must also apply separately to their preferred institutions and meet the relevant admission requirements.
The high application volume highlights the continuing demand for financial assistance among South African students seeking access to higher education. With the deadline approaching, eligible applicants are advised to complete their submissions promptly and use only official NSFAS channels.
Official application website
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