The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has reminded applicants that the consent form is an important part of the 2027 funding application process. An application may not be ready for assessment if required supporting documents, including the consent form, have not been submitted correctly.
With NSFAS applications closing on 31 October 2026, applicants should check their myNSFAS accounts and ensure that all requested documents have been uploaded before the application period ends.
What Is the NSFAS Consent Form?
The NSFAS Consent Form gives NSFAS permission to verify information provided during an application.
This may include information relating to the applicant as well as a parent, legal guardian or spouse whose details form part of the application.
NSFAS uses the information supplied by applicants to determine whether they meet the requirements for financial aid, and the consent form allows the Scheme to verify relevant personal and household information through third-party sources.
For the 2027 application cycle, the official consent form is identified as APP2027.
Who Needs to Complete the NSFAS Consent Form?
NSFAS currently lists the consent form under the supporting documents required for applicants.
Applicants should download the current 2027 version of the form rather than using a form from a previous application year.
The applicant must complete and sign the relevant section, while the required parent, legal guardian or spouse details and signatures must also be provided where applicable.
Applicants should follow the document requirements shown on their individual myNSFAS account because NSFAS generates supporting-document requirements based on the information provided in an application.
How Should the NSFAS 2027 Consent Form Be Completed?
NSFAS has published several important instructions for completing the form.
Applicants should:
Complete the form in CAPITAL LETTERS.
Use black ink.
Make sure all required information is clearly written.
Include all required signatures.
Sign the form by hand.
Use the current 2027 form.
Make sure the completed document is clear and readable before uploading it.
NSFAS does not accept electronic signatures on the consent form.
Applicants should also avoid using correction fluid. Where an error is made, applicants should carefully follow the instructions on the latest NSFAS form and guidance before submitting it.
Why Is the Consent Form Important?
The form allows NSFAS to verify information supplied as part of the funding application.
Without the necessary consent, NSFAS may not be able to complete verification of information relating to the applicant's household and financial circumstances.
NSFAS states that an application is assessed once all required documents have been received and are readable.
Applicants should therefore not assume that creating a myNSFAS account or completing only the online questions means that everything required has been submitted.
Check That Your Uploaded Form Is Readable
Uploading a form is not enough if the document cannot be properly read.
Before uploading the consent form, applicants should check that:
The entire document is visible.
No edges or important sections have been cut off.
The image or scan is not blurry.
There is no glare covering important information.
All required signatures can be seen.
Names and ID numbers are entered correctly.
The correct 2027 form has been used.
Photos taken using a cellphone can be used as long as the document is clear and all the necessary information is visible.
Do Not Use an Old NSFAS Consent Form
Students who previously applied for NSFAS funding may already have an older consent form saved on their phone or computer.
That form should not automatically be reused.
NSFAS specifically lists using a previous year's form as one of the reasons a supporting document may be sent back.
Students applying for 2027 funding should therefore download the current APP2027 NSFAS Consent Form from the official NSFAS website.
Other Supporting Documents May Also Be Required
The consent form is not necessarily the only supporting document an applicant may need.
Depending on an applicant's circumstances, NSFAS may request additional documentation.
For example, NSFAS currently lists separate documents for certain applicants, including a declaration form, disability annexure and an orphan or vulnerable child declaration.
This does not mean that every applicant must submit every form.
Applicants should check their individual myNSFAS account to see exactly which supporting documents NSFAS has requested from them.
When Do NSFAS 2027 Applications Close?
NSFAS applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026.
The application period closes on:
31 October 2026 at 23:59 South African time.
Students who have not yet submitted their applications should avoid waiting until the final hours of the application period.
Those who have already applied should also log in to myNSFAS and check whether any supporting documents are outstanding.
How to Apply for NSFAS Funding
Applications are completed through the official myNSFAS platform.
The main application process involves:
Creating or accessing a myNSFAS account.
Completing the required personal and household information.
Providing the required consent.
Uploading the supporting documents requested for the application.
Checking the information and submitting the application.
Saving the application reference number.
Applying for NSFAS funding is free.
Applicants should never pay another person to submit an NSFAS application on their behalf.
Apply through the official NSFAS website
Applicants can access the official NSFAS application information at:
Already Applied? Check Your Application Again
Students who submitted their NSFAS applications earlier in the application period should not necessarily assume that nothing further is required.
Log in to myNSFAS and check:
Whether the application has been successfully submitted.
Whether NSFAS has requested supporting documents.
Whether the correct 2027 Consent Form has been uploaded.
Whether all required signatures are included.
Whether uploaded documents are clear and readable.
Whether there are any outstanding actions on the application.
Responding to document requests promptly can help prevent unnecessary delays in the processing of an application.
Do Not Leave the Consent Form Until the Last Minute
The consent form may appear to be a small part of the NSFAS application process, but it enables NSFAS to verify important information used when assessing an applicant.
Students applying for 2027 funding should therefore make sure that they download the correct form, complete it properly, obtain the necessary signatures and upload a clear copy through myNSFAS.
With applications closing on 31 October 2026, applicants should check their application status and outstanding documents as soon as possible.
Important: NSFAS application requirements may differ depending on an applicant's circumstances. Applicants should always follow the document requirements displayed on their own myNSFAS account and refer to the latest information published by NSFAS before submitting forms or supporting documents.