Pretoria:The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has reported a substantial number of applications for the 2027 funding cycle, with a total of 868,626 applications received since the application process commenced on 18 September 2026.

According to South African Government News Agency, female applicants constitute the majority of the applications, numbering 616,558, which represents 70.98% of the total. Male applicants account for 252,068, making up the remaining 29.02%. In terms of educational pathways, 800,382 applications have come from prospective university students, while 68,244 are from those aiming to attend Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Additionally, the data reveals that 653,778 applicants are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), with the remaining 214,848 being non-SASSA applicants.

NSFAS has expressed gratitude to those who have already submitted their applications and issued a reminder to others that the deadline is 31 October 2026, with no extensions planned. Applications can be submitted via the NSFAS website or its official mobile application. Applicants are advised to ensure the accuracy and completeness of their information and to include all necessary supporting documents.

NSFAS has also issued a warning about fraudulent activities on social media. Prospective applicants are cautioned against engaging with unauthorized individuals or platforms that require payment for application assistance or promise guaranteed funding. NSFAS emphasizes that official applications should be submitted through its platforms only and that no one can assure a funding outcome. Any suspected fraud can be reported anonymously through the NSFAS Fraud and Corruption Hotline.

In the initial four days of the application period, NSFAS received 51,474 applications, indicating a strong interest from prospective students in the funding opportunities provided by the scheme.