New 2026 Fin Aid Application Process
New application process for financial aid 2026:
NSFAS funding applications process to be reopened (9 January 2026 – 20 January 2026)
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that it will reopen application processes to allow more students to apply for higher education funding in 2026. [News 24, 15 December 2026]
Applications will be reopened from 9 January 2026 to 20 January 2026, and the results of these applications will be made known from 1 February 2026 by NSFAS.
The learners who applied during the first phase (1 August 2026 to 30 November 2026) will know if they have been granted study loans before the release of the 2026 matric results in January 2026.
To apply and for more information about the NSFAS process go to www.nsfas.org.za
UP bursaries and loans:
- Applications must be submitted through the UP Student portal or www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding. Applications Open from 4 August 2026 to 30 November 2026. No late applications
NSFAS Cycle 1 (1 August – 30 November 2026)
- On 1 August 2026, NSFAS will open central applications for students who require financial assistance. There are two cycles for application:
- 1st cycle: 1 August to 30 November : Students entering university for the first time in 2026, including 2026 matriculants;
- 2nd cycle: 1 September to 30 November: All university students who were not funded by NSFAS in 2026.
- For applications and comprehensive information please visit www.nsfas.org.za. Applications close on 30 November 2026.
- Students who are already funded for the 2026 academic year should not apply, as NSFAS already has their information.