NSFAS 2027 applications open as Manamela urges students not to wait until the last day

Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela, has officially opened the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2027 application cycle, with prospective students now able to apply for funding for the new academic year. 

Students have about six weeks to submit their applications, with the window closing on 31 October.

Manamela briefed the media in Parktown on Friday on the application process and the readiness of universities, TVET and CET colleges for the 2027 academic year.

He urged prospective students to make use of the application period and not leave their submissions until the deadline.

“The September and October application period is a window of opportunity. Every learner is responsible for using it; do not wait for someone else to apply on your behalf, do not wait until the final day, and do not allow a lack of information to become the reason you do not pursue your aspirations,” Manamela said.

NSFAS has also unveiled a revamped application process through its mobile app, allowing students to apply, upload consent forms and track their applications directly from their smartphones.

Interim NSFAS Board Chairperson, Richardt Tlou Ramashia, said the changes are aimed at making the funding process more accessible, particularly as technology continues to shape how young people access services.

He also urged applicants to ensure their forms are completed correctly and that all required supporting documents are submitted.

“Incomplete or unreadable documents remain one of the major causes of frustration and delay during the process,” Ramashia said.

The launch follows NSFAS being placed under administration in May amid governance and operational concerns, with its board later reinstated following a court order.

Manamela says several interventions have since been undertaken to stabilise the scheme, including “stronger data integrity through the direct extraction of student information from institutional systems.”

“For many young people, access to funding is the difference between pursuing their dreams and abandoning them. Today’s launch is about opening doors of opportunity,” Manamela said.

Meanwhile, Ramashia says NSFAS expects to finalise funding decisions by the end of November, based on the applicable eligibility criteria.

An audit of those decisions will then be conducted from 1 to 9 December to ensure students are not unfairly denied funding.

Appeals for prospective students whose applications are unsuccessful will open on 10 December and close on 24 December.

The NSFAS 2027 Application Cycle @ButiManamela pic.twitter.com/sRo1aunEUz

— HigherEducationZA (@HigherEduGovZA) September 18, 2026

🎓 NSFAS 2027 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Applications opened today and close on 31 October 2026.

✅ Apply early
✅ Don’t wait for January
✅ Apply separately to your university/TVET college
✅ Check your information and documents carefully

Funding application ≠ admission. You…

— Buti Manamela (@ButiManamela) September 18, 2026