2026 Second Trimester NSFAS Application – Everything You Need to Know
If you missed the main NSFAS application window or recently secured admission for the second trimester, you are probably asking the big question many South African students are typing into Google right now:
Is there a 2026 second trimester NSFAS application?
The short answer is yes — but with important conditions.
This guide explains how the 2026 second trimester NSFAS application works, who qualifies, when to apply, and common mistakes that cause funding delays or rejections. Whether you’re a TVET college student, a returning NSFAS beneficiary, or a first-time applicant, this article will help you make the right moves.
1. What Is the NSFAS Second Trimester Application?
The NSFAS second trimester application is a funding window that allows eligible TVET College students to receive NSFAS support after the academic year has already started.
The 2026 NSFAS second trimester application is designed mainly for:
- TVET college students starting their second trimester studies in April 2026
- TVET College Students who were admitted late during the 2026 late application period
- TVET Returning students whose funding was interrupted
2. When Will the 2026 Second Trimester NSFAS Application Open?
The 2026 second trimester NSFAS application will officially open on 06 May 2026 and close on 18 May 2026. This gives eligible students just 13 days to submit their applications, making this one of the shortest NSFAS application windows of the year.
Because of the limited timeframe, students are strongly advised not to wait for the final days to apply. Historically, the NSFAS system experiences high traffic during late applications, which often leads to slow loading times, failed uploads, or incomplete submissions.
Once the closing date of 18 May 2026 passes, no late applications will be accepted, even if you meet all eligibility requirements.
What You Should Do Before 06 May 2026
✔ Ensure you are fully registered for the second trimester
✔ Confirm that your college is NSFAS-accredited
✔ Create or update your myNSFAS account
✔ Prepare certified copies of required documents
✔ Make sure your contact details are correct and active
Students who prepare in advance are far more likely to submit complete, error-free applications within the short deadline.
3. Who Qualifies for the 2026 Second Trimester NSFAS Application?
You may qualify if you are:
A TVET College Student
Second trimester NSFAS applications are primarily for TVET colleges, not universities.
If you are studying one of the second trimester programmes such as mechanical, electrical and civil engineering you stand a good chance to receive NSFAS funding, provided that you apply on time and your college submits registration data to NSFAS.
A TVET Returning NSFAS Beneficiary
If you were funded before and:
- Passed your previous subjects
- Are still within NSFAS funding rules
- Registered for the second trimester
A New TVET Student Who Missed the 2026 NSFAS Main Application
Late admissions happen. If your college accepted you after the main NSFAS deadline, the second trimester window may be your only opportunity.
4. Who Does NOT Qualify for NSFAS 2nd Trimester Application?
You do not qualify for 2026 NSFAS 2nd trimester applications if:
- You are a university student starting mid-year (universities do not participate in second-trimester NSFAS intakes)
- Your household income is above R350,000 per year
- You failed previous studies without meeting progression rules
- Your institution is not accredited by NSFAS
5. How to Apply for the 2026 Second Trimester NSFAS
- Go to the official NSFAS portal and Log in if you already have an account
- Create a new account if you are a first-time applicant
- Fill in all the required details
- Upload all the required documents
- Submit your online application
- Track your application status online
- Respond quickly if NSFAS requests additional documents
6. What Happens If You Are Approved Late?
Late approvals are common in second trimester applications.
If this happens:
- NSFAS may pay tuition directly to the college
- Allowances may be backdated
- Accommodation payments may take longer
Do not panic if payments are delayed — delays are normal, but approval is what matters most.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Second Trimester NSFAS Application
Can I apply if I was rejected before?
Yes, you can apply again, but only under specific circumstances.
If your previous NSFAS application was rejected because:
- You applied after the deadline
- Your registration was not yet confirmed
- Your institution submitted data late
- Required documents were missing or unclear
…you may still be considered during the 2026 second trimester application window.
However, if your rejection was based on financial ineligibility (for example, household income above the NSFAS threshold) or failure to meet academic progression rules, reapplying will not automatically change the outcome unless your circumstances have genuinely changed.
Can university students apply for the 2026 second trimester NSFAS funding?
No. The university students cannot apply during the 2026 NSFAS second trimester applications. The 2026 second trimester NSFAS application is primarily designed for TVET college students.
Public universities in South Africa do not offer mid-year intakes that qualify for NSFAS second-trimester funding.
Is NSFAS funding guaranteed once I apply?
No, NSFAS funding is never guaranteed, even if you meet the basic requirements.
Approval depends on:
- Meeting NSFAS financial eligibility criteria
- Satisfactory academic performance and progression
- Confirmation of registration by your institution
- Availability of funds for the 2026 academic year
Because the second trimester application is a limited funding window, NSFAS may prioritise certain programmes or colleges based on budget availability.
Will there be a third trimester and second semester NSFAS application in 2026?
Yes. 2026 NSFAS applications for second semester and 3rd trimester intake will open later on the year. The specific dates are;
2026 NSFAS second semester applications: 01 - 17 July 2026
2026 NSFAS third trimester applications: 03 - 14 September 2026
What if I miss the second trimester application window?
If you miss the 06–18 May 2026 application window:
- You will not be considered for second trimester funding
- You may have to self-fund or defer your studies
- You will need to wait for the next NSFAS application cycle
How will I know if my application is successful?
You can track your application status by logging into your myNSFAS account. Status updates may include:
- Submitted
- Provisionally funded
- Approved
- Rejected
- Awaiting registration confirmation
Final approval often depends on institutional verification, so delays are common during second trimester applications.
8. Final Reminder to Students
The 2026 second trimester NSFAS application is a second chance, not a shortcut. It exists to support students who genuinely need funding but entered the system late.
If you are serious about your studies, stay informed, follow official processes, and avoid misinformation.
The 18 May 2026 closing date is final. NSFAS does not extend second trimester deadlines, and technical issues experienced close to the deadline are not accepted as valid reasons for late submission.
If your application status shows “Submitted” before the deadline, it will be considered. Any application started but not submitted by midnight on 18 May 2026 will automatically fall away.
