NSFAS at the University of Johannesburg 2027: Funding Opportunities for Students

Students planning to study at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2027 can apply for financial assistance through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), subject to meeting the applicable funding requirements.

NSFAS provides financial support to eligible students at South African public universities and TVET colleges. At UJ, NSFAS funding is administered through the university’s Student Finance structures.

For prospective UJ students, the university’s 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus states that the closing date for NSFAS applications for 2027 registration is 28 November 2026.

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What Is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government student-funding scheme designed to assist eligible financially needy students to access higher education.

NSFAS funding can assist with costs such as registration, tuition and learning materials, as well as specified allowances for living expenses, personal care and transport or accommodation, depending on the applicable funding rules.

At UJ, the university confirms that NSFAS is intended to support academically able and financially needy students studying at a public university.

NSFAS 2027 Application Closing Date at UJ

According to the University of Johannesburg's 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus:

NSFAS application closing date: 28 November 2026

This deadline applies to 2027 registration at UJ.

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Important: The application date and funding rules can be subject to change. Applicants should verify the latest information on the official NSFAS and UJ websites before submitting an application.

Who Can Qualify for NSFAS at UJ?

The UJ 2026 fee information indicates that students qualifying for NSFAS generally need to meet requirements including:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Be registered or intending to register at a South African public university.
• Be studying towards a first tertiary educational qualification at undergraduate level.
• Be within the applicable N+1 progression rule.
• Be registered for an NSFAS-funded qualification.
• Meet the applicable financial-need requirements.
• Meet the academic and admission requirements applicable to the programme.

NSFAS's published eligibility information also states that the bursary is available to qualifying South African citizens and permanent residents, with a combined household-income threshold of R350,000 per year, while the threshold for persons living with disabilities is R600,000. SASSA grant recipients automatically meet the financial eligibility requirement, subject to the other applicable criteria.

Important Note About 2027 Requirements

Students should not assume that the 2026 requirements will automatically remain unchanged for 2027. NSFAS may update its eligibility criteria, funding conditions and application procedures.

Always check the latest 2027 NSFAS guidelines when the application cycle opens.

What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?

For eligible university students, NSFAS funding may cover several study-related costs.

The NSFAS information currently available lists support for:

• Registration
• Tuition fees
• Learning materials
• Living allowance
• Personal-care allowance
• Transport or accommodation, depending on the student's circumstances and applicable rules.

UJ's fee information similarly states that NSFAS funding may be used for student fees, books, meals, transport for students staying at home, and university residence or privately owned student accommodation fees.

The exact amounts and allowances are determined according to NSFAS rules and the applicable funding conditions for the academic year.

NSFAS Funding Is Mainly for Undergraduate Study

Students should pay close attention to their qualification level.

The current NSFAS university funding guidelines specify that university students must generally be studying towards their first certificate or undergraduate qualification.

This means that students who have already completed a university qualification may not automatically qualify for NSFAS funding for another undergraduate qualification.

Students should therefore check their individual circumstances carefully before applying.

How to Apply for NSFAS

Students applying for NSFAS funding should use the official NSFAS application process.

Step 1: Create a myNSFAS account

Applicants need to create a profile on the NSFAS platform using their personal details.

Step 2: Complete the application

Provide the required information accurately and complete all sections of the application.

Step 3: Upload supporting documents

Where required, applicants must provide the supporting documentation requested by NSFAS.

Step 4: Submit the application

Review the information carefully before submitting the application.

Step 5: Monitor your application

Applicants should regularly log into their myNSFAS account to check their application status and respond to requests for additional information or missing documents. NSFAS advises applicants to monitor their accounts for important updates.

What Documents May Be Required?

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, NSFAS may request supporting documentation relating to identity, household income, guardianship or other relevant circumstances.

Applicants should make sure that documents are clear, accurate and submitted according to the instructions provided by NSFAS.

Do not submit false or misleading information. NSFAS's funding conditions include provisions relating to incorrect or false information and other circumstances that can affect a student's funding.

What About Students Who Are Already Funded?

Continuing students should pay attention to NSFAS communication about their funding status and academic progression.

NSFAS has previously stated that continuing students do not necessarily need to submit a completely new application each year, while new applicants must follow the applicable application process.

Students should nevertheless monitor their myNSFAS accounts and UJ communication for the requirements applicable to their circumstances.

NSFAS and UJ Registration

NSFAS funding plays an important role in enabling financially eligible students to register and continue their studies at UJ.

The university has previously implemented measures to assist eligible NSFAS-funded students with registration while funding outcomes were being finalised.

Students should, however, avoid assuming that previous registration arrangements will automatically apply in 2027. Registration procedures and financial-clearance arrangements may change from year to year.

NSFAS 2027: Important Information for UJ Applicants

The 28 November 2026 deadline is specifically stated in UJ's 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus.

UJ NSFAS Enquiries

Students who need assistance with NSFAS-related matters can contact UJ's NSFAS administration.

Email: nsfas@uj.ac.za

UJ's 2027 prospectus also lists NSFAS enquiry telephone numbers for its various campuses, including Auckland Park Bunting Road, Auckland Park Kingsway, Doornfontein and Soweto campuses.

For NSFAS-specific national enquiries, the NSFAS website lists its toll-free number as 08000 67327 and provides online support through its official platform.

Apply for NSFAS Funding for UJ in 2027

If you are planning to study at the University of Johannesburg in 2027 and believe you may qualify for financial assistance, NSFAS could provide important support towards your higher-education costs.

The most important date currently published by UJ is 28 November 2026, which is the stated NSFAS application closing date for 2027 registration.

Prospective students should prepare their documentation early, submit their application before the deadline and regularly monitor their myNSFAS account for updates.

Official UJ NSFAS information: University of Johannesburg NSFAS page

Official NSFAS website: NSFAS

Disclaimer: NSFAS eligibility, allowances, application dates and funding conditions may change. Students should confirm the latest 2027 requirements directly with NSFAS and the University of Johannesburg before applying.

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