If you are studying at a vocational training (TVET) college and have NSFAS funding, you may need to make an NSFAS trimester 2 application to ensure your continued funding. Luckily this is quick and simple to do and can be done exactly like your main application. You will only have a very limited window of time to get it done, however. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for NSFAS trimester 2.
NSFAS Opens Trimester 2 Application
The NSFAS trimester 2 application is an aspect of receiving NSFAS funding which is applicable to students studying at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges only. However, if you are studying in one of these programs and need to keep your funding, it is critical that you make this secondary application to keep your funding current and correct. Remember that NSFAS does not fund every program at TVET colleges.
TVET semester and trimester funding windows must be checked separately with NSFAS and the college. Check the current NSFAS notices and your college for the intake-specific dates.
How To Apply For NSFAS Trimester 2
You apply for your NSFAS trimester 2 funding the same way as you apply for NSFAS funding usually. They encourage students to do this online via your account on the myNSFAS portal. This is the quickest and most convenient, as you can also track your application status and make any changes here.
However, they do have offices which can help you, and most campuses will also have a bursary office qualified to assist if you need to. Do remember that some institutions need you to do the trimester 2 study application to NSFAS to remain funded, so stay on top of this important aspect.
Documents For NSFAS Trimester 2 Application
In order to register for NSFAS Trimester 2 applications, you will need to have certain documents ready to upload with your application. Remember that you will also need to be registered at your NSFAS-qualifying learning institution of choice.
These are the other documents you will require:
- A copy of your South African ID document
- If you do not have one, you need your South African birth certificate or temporary ID
- If you are married, you will need the same for your spouse. Otherwise, you will need your guardian or parent, unless you live completely alone.
- You will need to provide proof of income which is not older than 3 months
- You will also need proof of income of your parents/guardians, spouse, or anyone who works and lives with you
- If you receive a SASSA grant, you do not need this proof of income.
NSFAS Trimester 2 Application Dates
TVET semester and trimester funding windows must be checked separately with NSFAS and the college. Check the current NSFAS notices and your college for the intake-specific dates. Applications for NSFAS funding for the 2027 academic year opened on 18 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. As of 22 October 2026, this application window is open. See the official NSFAS application guidance.
It is important to note that you do not have the lengthy application period which you do for the earlier session- it can be as short as 10 days. In 2022, it was open from 09 August to 19 August, for example. So if you need to use an NSFAS Trimester 2 application, make sure you have your registration, all important documents, and so on ready to go quickly to take advantage of this opportunity.
Can I Apply For NSFAS Trimester 2 Online?
Yes! In fact, NSFAS prefers you to apply online if you are at all possible. This means you will have a myNSFAS online account, which will enable you to track your application status, make edits and changes to your information, and other convenient features.
You can create this account by heading to www.nsfas.org.za. Click the ‘myNSFAS’ tab, and follow the onscreen prompts to create your account. Once you have an account, you can go to the ‘apply’ tab and fill in all the information required to apply for NSFAS online. Remember that you will need electronic copies of the documents we outline above in order to complete your online application.
Can I Apply For NSFAS Trimester 2 By Walk-In?
Although NSFAS prefers you to create a myNSFAS portal online and apply that way, you can also apply for NSFAS trimester 2 via walk-in. You can find the list of sites where you can apply in-person for your NSFAS funding at this link. However, they encourage you to use on-campus offices where possible.
Many public universities and TVET institutions also have an on-campus bursary office where you can apply, so ask your institution if they do. The procedure to apply will be very similar to that which we have outlined here, and the staff will be able to assist you if you have any issues.
And there you have it! If you are studying at a TVET institution, the NSFAS trimester 2 application is an important part of remaining funded, so make sure you get your application in timeously.
