The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received 51,474 applications within the first four days of the opening of the 2027 application cycle.
The early application figures demonstrate the continued importance of NSFAS in enabling access to higher education and training for deserving South African students and reflect growing awareness of the opportunities available through government-funded student financial aid.
Student statistics
According to the latest application dashboard statistics, the scheme has recorded a student headcount of 49,413 applicants, indicating that thousands of prospective students have already begun their journey towards accessing higher education and training opportunities in the 2027 academic year.
Of the applications received since the application cycle opened on Friday, 18 September 2026, 43,297 applications were submitted by first-time entering students and prospective applicants, while 6,865 were from Further Education and Training (FET) applicants.
A total of 1,312 applications were also submitted by senior applicants seeking funding, with 12,625 applicants indicated that they are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), and 52 received from students with disabilities.
“The data further indicates that female applicants continue to make up the majority of applications received, accounting for 38,121 applications (74.06%), while male applicants account for 13,353 applications (25.94%).
“The majority of applications have been received from young people between the ages of 18 and 29, highlighting the continued demand for financial assistance amongst learners and prospective students transitioning from secondary education into the post-school education and training sector,” NSFAS said in a statement on Tuesday.
NSFAS also noted progress made in processing applications received to date.
The scheme said it is encouraged by the high level of participation and commended learners, parents, guardians, schools, and stakeholders for actively supporting prospective applicants since the opening of the application period.
Deadline for applications
NSFAS also reminded all prospective applicants that the application period will close on 31 October 2026.
“Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and not wait until the closing stages of the application period. Applicants are also urged to ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted correctly and that consent forms are completed where required to facilitate verification processes.
“The NSFAS Board has already communicated that there will be no extension of the application period, and all eligible applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date,” NSFAS said.
The scheme said it will continue to provide regular updates on application trends and progress throughout the application period as part of its commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Applications can be submitted online through the NSFAS website or via the NSFAS mobile application, which is available on Android and Apple devices.
