NSFAS: 868,626 students have applied, and 71% are women
South Africa's student funding scheme has a 31 October deadline with no extensions. Most applicants are university hopefuls from grant-receiving households.
Pretoria — Almost 869,000 young South Africans have applied for state funding to study next year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) said. Applications close on 31 October, and NSFAS says there will be no extension.
Who is applying
- Total: 868,626
- Women: 616,558 (70.98%)
- Men: 252,068 (29.02%)
- University applicants: 800,382
- TVET college applicants: 68,244
- SASSA grant recipients: 653,778
- Non-SASSA applicants: 214,848
Three in four applicants come from households that receive a social grant, which shows how much NSFAS matters for students from poorer families, and seven in ten are young women.
How to apply
Only through the official website, www.nsfas.org.za, or the official NSFAS app. NSFAS warns against fake social media accounts and anyone who asks for money to help with an application or promises guaranteed funding. Fraud can be reported anonymously to speakup@nsfas.org.za.
Source: NSFAS, 20 October 2026.
