The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced the 2027 application cycle opening during a media briefing in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Friday, where he urged prospective students to apply early and take advantage of opportunities to access funding for university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) studies.
Manamela said the launch came as thousands of young South Africans prepare to make decisions about what and where they will study, and how they will finance their education.
“Today’s launch is therefore about much more than opening an application window. It is about opening doors of opportunity and ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent deserving young South Africans from building their futures,” Manamela said.
The Minister noted that NSFAS has implemented several changes for the 2027 cycle to improve the application process and student experience.
These include stronger data integrity through the direct extraction of student information from institutional systems, automated document verification, electronic document signing and a modernised student-support environment.
The verification of student registration and banking details is also being strengthened through collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs, while work has started on a Loan Management System to support student loans for the so-called “missing middle”.
“We have also paid particular attention to the administration of appeals. NSFAS has been working to address historical weaknesses, improve communication with students, and ensure that appeals are handled according to clear rules and timelines. These improvements are intended to make the application process simpler, faster, more secure and more responsive to students,” the Minister said.
The 2027 application cycle will close on 18 November 2026, with funding outcomes for successful applicants expected to be communicated in December ahead of registration for the 2027 academic year.
Manamela encouraged prospective applicants not to wait until the closing date, saying early applications will allow students time to verify their information, submit outstanding documents, and seek assistance if they encountered challenges.
NSFAS will also deploy outreach teams across provinces, districts, rural and marginalised communities to provide information and application support.
“We will work with schools, provincial education departments, community stakeholders and institutions to assist those who may otherwise face barriers to accessing information about student funding,” the Minister said.
Manamela said demand for student financial aid continues to grow, with NSFAS receiving a record number of applications during the 2026 cycle, which reinforces the importance of improving the scheme’s systems and service delivery.
Supporting the missing middle
The Minister also highlighted government’s efforts to support students who fall outside the NSFAS bursary threshold but still struggle to afford the full cost of higher education.
“They [missing middle] may earn too much to qualify for a bursary but not enough to comfortably cover tuition, accommodation, study materials, and other costs associated with tertiary education. We cannot ignore these students,” Manamela said.
He said government is strengthening the missing-middle loan scheme as an additional funding pathway for eligible students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries.
“The loan scheme expands the funding system beyond the traditional bursary model, providing an opportunity for students who might otherwise face financial exclusion. The loans are repayable in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions, making this an important part of building a funding system that is both inclusive and sustainable,” the Minister said.
Expanding opportunities through TVET colleges
The Minister also urged young people to consider public TVET colleges, which are central to building the skills base required by the economy.
Applications for the 2027 academic year at public TVET colleges are open until 30 September 2026.
Manamela encouraged Grade 9 learners and beyond, school leavers and people seeking new skills to research available programmes, identify qualifications aligned with their interests and career aspirations, and apply before the deadline.
He stressed that admission and funding are separate steps, with prospective students required to apply to their institution of choice and separately apply for NSFAS funding if they require financial assistance.
Manamela said NSFAS remained a critical government instrument in advancing education, skills development and youth empowerment, which are identified in the National Development Plan 2030 as drivers of economic growth, social transformation, and nation-building.
He called on young people to take responsibility for using the application period and urged them to apply for both admission and funding rather than waiting until the final day. – SAnews.gov.za
