NSFAS 2027 Applications: More Than 1 Million Applications Received Ahead of 31 October Closing Date
NSFAS has received over 1 million applications for 2027 funding, with the closing date set for 31 October 2026 and no extensions planned.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received more than one million applications for the 2027 funding cycle as thousands of South African students seek financial assistance to continue their education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
According to a report published by Business Day on 29 October 2026, the number of applications has passed the one-million mark. The announcement comes just days before the application period closes on Saturday, 31 October 2026. NSFAS has warned prospective applicants that there will be no extension to the deadline.
How Many Applications Has NSFAS Received So Far?
The latest reported total is more than one million applications for the 2027 academic year. However, the report published on 29 October did not provide an exact updated total.
The most recent exact official figure located was 868,626 applications, recorded on the NSFAS application dashboard dated 19 October 2026. At that point, most applications were from prospective university students, while a smaller proportion came from TVET college applicants.
The figures show the strong demand for financial assistance among young South Africans planning to pursue higher education and vocational training in 2027.
Breakdown of the Earlier NSFAS Application Figures
The official figures recorded on 19 October provided the following breakdown:
- Total applications: 868,626
- Female applicants: 616,558
- Male applicants: 252,068
- University applications: 800,382
- TVET college applications: 68,244
- SASSA applicants: 653,778
- Non-SASSA applicants: 214,848
Female applicants accounted for approximately 71% of applications at that stage, while male applicants accounted for about 29%. These figures relate to the 19 October dashboard and should not be mistaken for the final breakdown after the total passed one million.
NSFAS 2027 Applications Close on 31 October
Students who have not submitted their applications should take note of the official closing date. NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026 and are scheduled to close on 31 October 2026.
The scheme has confirmed that the deadline will not be extended. Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final hours.
Applications can be submitted through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za or through the official NSFAS mobile application. Applying for NSFAS funding is free.
Applicants should check that their personal information is correct and provide any supporting documents requested through their myNSFAS accounts. Incomplete information or missing documents may affect verification and processing.
NSFAS Warns Students About Application Scams
With the deadline approaching, NSFAS has also warned students against fraudulent individuals and social media accounts that demand money to assist with applications or promise guaranteed funding.
Students should never pay someone who claims they can guarantee approval. Applications must be submitted through official NSFAS platforms, and no person or organisation can guarantee a funding outcome.
Applicants who need assistance should consult official NSFAS communication channels rather than relying on unverified social media posts.
What Happens After Applications Close?
After the application period ends, NSFAS will continue the processes required to verify information and assess applications. Applicants should monitor their myNSFAS accounts and official NSFAS announcements for updates about their application status and any requests for additional documentation.
Submitting an application does not automatically mean that funding has been approved. Applicants must still meet the applicable funding criteria, and admission to a university or TVET college is a separate process.
Conclusion
NSFAS has reportedly received more than one million applications for the 2027 funding cycle, highlighting the demand for financial assistance among South African students. The latest exact official figure located was 868,626 applications on 19 October, before newer reporting confirmed that the total had exceeded one million.
With applications closing on 31 October 2026, prospective students should use the official NSFAS website or mobile application to submit their applications and check their information before the deadline.