NSFAS Documents Required — Complete Checklist 2027

The most common reason NSFAS applications are rejected? Missing or incorrect documents. Here’s the complete checklist for your 2027 NSFAS application.

Required Documents for ALL Applicants

Every applicant must provide:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID (not older than 3 months)
2. Certified copy of your parent(s)/guardian(s) ID (not older than 3 months)
3. Proof of household income:
   • Latest payslips (if employed) OR
   • Employment letter stating income OR
   • 3 months’ bank statements (if self-employed) OR
   • SASSA letter confirming grant receipt
4. Completed and signed NSFAS consent form (available on the NSFAS website)

Additional Documents by Situation

If You Receive a SASSA Grant

• SASSA letter confirming grant receipt (this automatically qualifies you for NSFAS)

If Your Parents Are Unemployed

• Affidavit from the police station or Commissioner of Oaths confirming unemployment
• This applies to each unemployed parent/guardian

If You Are an Orphan or Vulnerable Child

• Death certificate(s) of parents OR
• Court order confirming guardianship
• Social worker report (if applicable)

If Your Parents Are Divorced

• Divorce decree
• Proof of maintenance payments (if applicable)
• Income proof for the parent you live with

If You Study at a TVET College

• Same documents as above, plus your most recent academic transcript

If You Are a Returning Student

• Most recent academic transcript
• Proof of registration for the current academic year

Students with Disabilities

• Medical report or assessment confirming disability
• This also qualifies you for the higher R600,000 household income threshold

Document Certification

All copies must be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths (found at police stations, post offices, and some banks). Certification must be:

• Not older than 3 months
• Stamped and signed on the front of the document (not the back)

How to Submit

Upload all documents through the myNSFAS portal. Do NOT email documents unless specifically instructed by NSFAS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Expired certifications — documents certified more than 3 months ago will be rejected
2. Uncertified documents — photocopies without a stamp are not accepted
3. Missing signatures — the NSFAS consent form must be signed by you AND your parent/guardian
4. Wrong ID documents — ensure the ID numbers on all documents match your application
5. Illegible scans — make sure uploaded documents are clear and readable

Use our NSFAS Status Check to track your application after submission.