NSFAS opens 2027 applications as minister urges students to apply early

Thousands of young South Africans hoping to study at universities and TVET colleges next year can now apply for financial aid, with higher education minister Buti Manamela urging students not to wait until the last day to submit their applications.

Manamela and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) officially launched the 2027 application cycle on Friday.

The application window will remain open until October 31, while NSFAS said it had already received more than 5,000 applications after an unexpected system test resulted in students submitting applications before the official launch.

NSFAS interim chairperson advocate Richardt Ramashia said the scheme conducted a live demonstration of the application portal at midnight on Thursday.

“What happened is that what was supposed to be a live demonstration resulted in actual applications being loaded by students. As we stand, I am advised that more than 5,000, almost 6,000 applications have already been received,” he said.

“Of those close to 6,000 applications, more than 2,000 have been successfully processed.”

For students and families who cannot afford the cost of higher education, funding can determine whether a young person is able to continue studying after matric.

Ramashia said the launch was about more than opening an online application system.

“Today [Friday] is about the learner who is sitting somewhere in a class ... thinking he may not be able to afford the funding for college or university studies next year.

“Today is about the student whose future depends on access to financial aid and support.”

He said the NSFAS had focused on making the application process easier and more responsive, particularly for students who rely on their phones to access online services.

Ramashia urged applicants to make sure their documents were complete and readable and that the required consent was correctly completed.

“The most important key, and this is the message we need to take outside, is that you must make sure that you press the submit button.

“After doing everything that you have done — uploading, reporting, editing and everything — please press that submit button.”