Can You Apply for NSFAS Before Receiving Your Matric Results?


Many Grade 12 learners in South Africa worry about paying for university or college before they have received their matric results. For students from households that cannot afford higher education, financial assistance can make the difference between continuing their studies and giving up on their dreams.

One of the most common questions students ask is: Can you apply for NSFAS before receiving your matric results?

The answer is yes. You do not have to wait until your final matric results are released before applying for NSFAS funding. The official NSFAS guidance confirms that Grade 12 learners can apply while they are still completing matric. You can also apply before receiving confirmation of admission from a university or TVET college. Your results and registration information are considered at the appropriate stages of the process.

For the 2027 academic year, NSFAS applications opened on 18 September 2026. At the time of writing, the official NSFAS website lists 31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time as the application closing date. Always check the official website for any updated announcements.

Official website: https://www.nsfas.org.za

Application portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za

1. Can You Apply for NSFAS While You Are Still in Grade 12?

Yes. Grade 12 learners can apply for NSFAS funding before writing their final examinations or receiving their matric results.

NSFAS encourages eligible learners to apply early rather than waiting until the last minute. Applying early gives you time to complete your personal information, provide household details, submit the required documents and correct mistakes before the closing date.

You do not need to have your final matric certificate in your possession to begin the application process.

However, applying does not mean that funding is automatically guaranteed. NSFAS must assess your application against its eligibility requirements, and you must still meet the relevant academic and institutional requirements.

For example, a learner who applies while writing matric may still need to achieve the required results and secure admission to an eligible public university or TVET college before proceeding with their studies.

The important point is that you can start the funding application before your results are available.

2. Why Should You Apply Before Receiving Your Matric Results?

There are several reasons why applying early is a sensible decision.

You avoid missing the deadline

NSFAS applications are open for a limited period. If you wait until matric results are released, you may discover that the application window has already closed.

Submitting your application during the official application period reduces this risk.

You have time to prepare your documents

Some applicants need additional documents relating to their parents, guardians, household income or personal circumstances. Preparing these documents early can make the process easier.

You can plan your university journey

Applying for NSFAS while you are still in Grade 12 allows you to work on your financial aid application alongside your university applications.

You reduce unnecessary stress

Matric examinations are already demanding. Completing your funding application early can help you focus on your examinations while waiting for your results.

Remember that an early application is helpful only if it is completed accurately and submitted successfully.

3. How to Apply for NSFAS Before Receiving Matric Results

The application process takes place online through the official myNSFAS portal.

Follow these steps to get started.

Step 1: Visit the official NSFAS website

Open https://www.nsfas.org.za and select the option to apply for funding. You can also access the application portal directly at https://my.nsfas.org.za.

Always check that you are using the official website before entering your personal information.

Step 2: Create your myNSFAS account

If you do not already have an account, follow the registration instructions. You will need your South African identity details, a working cellphone number and an email address you can access.

If you already have a myNSFAS account, sign in to your existing account rather than creating another one.

Step 3: Complete your personal details

Enter your information carefully. Your name and identity details should match your official records.

Step 4: Provide your household information

Answer the questions about your household and financial circumstances truthfully. NSFAS uses the information you provide to assess your eligibility and verify relevant details.

Step 5: Complete the consent requirements

Follow the instructions for the NSFAS consent form and any other forms that apply to your circumstances.

Step 6: Upload the required documents

Check the document list generated for your application. Upload clear copies of the documents requested.

Step 7: Review and submit your application

Before submitting, check every section for errors. Once you have submitted successfully, save your application reference number.

Step 8: Monitor your application

Sign in to myNSFAS regularly to check your status and see whether NSFAS requires further information from you.

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