NHFC Bursary 2027: Requirements, Funding and How to Apply

The National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) is inviting qualifying South African students to apply for its NHFC Bursary Programme for the 2027 academic year.

The opportunity is aimed at financially disadvantaged students pursuing approved qualifications connected to housing, finance, property and the built environment.

Importantly, the programme supports undergraduate students from second year onwards, as well as postgraduate students. Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Quick Overview

Information	Details
Organisation	National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC)
Opportunity	NHFC Bursary Programme 2027
Location	Accredited tertiary institutions across South Africa
Qualification	Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in approved fields
Age	Not specified
Duration	Renewable annually, subject to satisfactory academic performance
Stipend	Not specified
Closing Date	30 September 2026
Application Method	Complete the application form and email it with supporting documents

Why This Opportunity Matters

Funding remains an important consideration for students who may struggle with the cost of tertiary education.

The NHFC bursary is particularly relevant to students building careers in areas linked to housing, human settlements, property, finance, construction and economic development.

Successful applicants may receive assistance with tuition fees, prescribed books and other study materials. Accommodation and other expenses may also be considered at the discretion of the NHFC.

Who Can Apply?

The NHFC Bursary 2027 is intended for applicants who meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

You should consider applying if you:

• Are a South African citizen.
• Have completed Matric.
• Come from a financially disadvantaged background.
• Are studying an approved qualification.
• Have completed your first year and are entering second year or above.
• Are enrolled at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa.
• Have a strong academic record.
• Are studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Who Should Not Apply?

This opportunity may not be suitable for applicants who:

• Are not South African citizens.
• Have not completed Matric.
• Are first-year undergraduate students who have not yet completed their first year.
• Are studying a qualification outside the approved fields.
• Are not enrolled at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution.
• Do not meet the financial-disadvantage requirement.

Applicants should check their circumstances carefully before submitting an application.

Fields of Study Covered

The NHFC Bursary Programme supports qualifications in the following areas:

• Built Environment
• Construction Economics
• Developmental Studies
• Economic Development
• Energy Efficiency
• Finance
• Housing
• Housing Construction
• Human Settlements
• Property Markets
• Real Estate
• Risk Management

Students should ensure that their specific qualification falls within an approved field before applying.

NHFC Bursary Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the minimum requirements outlined for the programme.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed Matric and be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in one of the approved fields.

For undergraduate applicants, the bursary is aimed at students who have completed first year and are entering second year or a higher level of study.

A strong academic record is also required.

Financial requirements

The programme is intended for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Applicants therefore need to provide supporting documentation demonstrating their household financial circumstances.

What Does the NHFC Bursary Cover?

The supplied information confirms that the bursary provides funding for at least:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed books
• Other study materials

Accommodation and other expenses: May be covered at the discretion of the NHFC.

Bursary value: Not specified in the supplied information.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the programme automatically provides a fixed monthly allowance or full accommodation funding.

Bursary Renewal

The NHFC bursary may be renewed annually.

However, renewal is dependent on the student maintaining satisfactory academic performance.

This means students should continue meeting the academic expectations of the programme rather than assuming that funding automatically continues for the full duration of their qualification.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following supporting documents:

• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Certified copy of Matric certificate.
• Certified full tertiary academic record, including the most recent results, on university letterhead.
• Proof of university admission, where applicable.
• Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents.
• Proof of household income.
• Latest payslips where parents or guardians are employed.
• Affidavit where parents or guardians are unemployed.
• Certified ID documents or birth certificates of other people living in the household.

Make sure documents are clear, current and properly certified where certification is required.

How to Apply for the NHFC Bursary 2027

Follow these steps to submit your application:

1. Download the NHFC bursary application form.

Applicants should use the prescribed NHFC bursary application form for the programme.

2. Complete the application form.

Provide accurate information about your personal details, academic history and financial circumstances.

3. Prepare your supporting documents.

Gather your certified ID, academic record, Matric certificate and the required household financial documentation.

4. Check your application.

Before submitting, make sure the form is completed and that the required supporting documents are attached.

5. Email your application.

Send the completed application and supporting documents to bursary@nhfc.co.za.

6. Use the correct email subject.

Applicants should use:

NHFC Bursary Application 2027

NHFC Bursary Application Form

The supplied application information directs applicants to the prescribed NHFC bursary application form.

Download the NHFC Bursary Application Form 2027

Application email: bursary@nhfc.co.za

Important Before You Apply

Before sending your application, check the following:

• You have completed your first year if applying as an undergraduate.
• Your qualification is included among the approved fields.
• Your tertiary institution is recognised and accredited.
• Your latest academic results are included.
• Your financial-supporting documents are complete.
• Required copies have been certified.
• Your application is submitted before 30 September 2026.
• Your email subject reads NHFC Bursary Application 2027.

Late applications will not be accepted according to the supplied information.

Official Source

Organisation: National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC)
Programme: NHFC Bursary Programme 2027
Closing date: 30 September 2026
Application email: bursary@nhfc.co.za

Applicants should verify the latest application requirements and form details with the NHFC before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NHFC Bursary accept first-year university students?

The supplied requirements indicate that undergraduate applicants must have completed first year and be entering second year or a higher level of study.

What does the NHFC Bursary cover?

The bursary provides funding for tuition fees, prescribed books and other study materials. Accommodation and other expenses may be covered at NHFC’s discretion.

Is there a fixed NHFC bursary stipend?

No fixed stipend amount is specified in the supplied information.

Which qualifications are funded?

Approved areas include finance, real estate, housing, human settlements, construction economics, built environment, risk management and several related fields.

Can postgraduate students apply?

Yes. The programme supports postgraduate students as well as undergraduate students from second year onwards.

When does the NHFC Bursary 2027 close?

Applications close on 30 September 2026.

Where must the application be sent?

Completed applications and supporting documents should be emailed to bursary@nhfc.co.za.

Will every applicant receive feedback?

No. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants who do not receive feedback should regard their application as unsuccessful.

Related Opportunities

Students can also explore other bursaries, learnerships, internships and graduate opportunities published on Youthscope, particularly programmes supporting South African students and young people entering high-demand career fields.

Youthscope Verification

Source: NHFC bursary information supplied for this article
Last checked: 1 September 2026
Status: Application information reviewed; closing date and requirements stated above are based on the supplied programme information.

Editorial Information

Author: Mbalizuke Nkosi
Reviewer: Youthscope Editorial Team
Published: 1 September 2026
Updated: 1 September 2026