NHFC Bursaries 2027: Your Guide to Funding Your Housing Studies

The National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to South African students. This opportunity is for financially disadvantaged students pursuing studies in fields related to housing, finance, property, and the built environment. Applications close on September 30, 2026.

This guide provides essential information about the NHFC Bursary Programme, including what it covers, who qualifies, and how to apply. Understanding these details can help you successfully secure funding for your tertiary education in these critical sectors.

About the NHFC Bursary Programme 2027

The NHFC Bursary Programme is designed to cultivate skilled professionals for South Africa’s housing finance and built environment sectors. It offers financial support to both undergraduate students, starting from their second year of study, and postgraduate students. The goal is to equip students with the expertise needed to build successful careers in these vital industries.

This initiative specifically targets students who face financial difficulties in affording their university or college education. By providing this support, the NHFC actively contributes to the advancement and development of the nation’s housing sector.

About the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC)

The National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) operates as a development finance institution with a significant role in South Africa’s housing landscape. Its primary mission is to improve access to housing finance for households with low to middle incomes. The NHFC collaborates with a variety of partners to achieve its objectives.

The corporation is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the housing market. This involves providing necessary finance, encouraging new ideas, and building capacity within the sector to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.

Fields of Study Covered by the NHFC Bursary

The NHFC Bursary for 2027 supports academic programs in several key areas that are essential for the housing and finance industries. These fields of study include:

• Built Environment: This broad category covers the planning, design, and construction of physical surroundings.
• Construction Economics: Focuses on the economic aspects of the construction industry, including costs, markets, and investment.
• Developmental Studies: Examines the processes and challenges of social and economic development, often with a focus on specific regions or communities.
• Economic Development: Deals with improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a nation or region.
• Energy Efficiency: Concentrates on reducing energy consumption in buildings and infrastructure.
• Finance: Covers the management of money, investments, and credit, particularly as it relates to housing.
• Housing: Encompasses all aspects of housing provision, policy, and development.
• Housing Construction: Specifically addresses the methods and technologies used in building homes.
• Human Settlements: Focuses on the planning, development, and management of urban and rural communities.
• Property Markets: Analyzes the dynamics of buying, selling, and managing real estate.
• Real Estate: Involves the business of buying, selling, and renting land and buildings.
• Risk Management: Addresses the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks within the housing finance sector.

What the NHFC Bursary Covers

Successful applicants for the NHFC bursary will receive financial aid to support their educational pursuits. The bursary typically includes funding for:

• Tuition Fees: The cost of attending the educational institution.
• Prescribed Books: Funds to purchase required textbooks and academic materials.
• Other Essential Study Materials: Support for necessary supplies needed for coursework.

In addition to these core academic expenses, the NHFC may, at its discretion, provide funding for student accommodation and other related costs. This can help alleviate additional financial burdens for students.

Minimum Requirements for Applicants

To be considered for the NHFC Bursary, candidates must meet a specific set of criteria. These requirements ensure that the bursary reaches those who most need it and who are pursuing relevant fields of study:

• Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of South Africa.
• Matric Completion: Successful completion of the Matriculation examination is required.
• Financial Need: A demonstrated need for financial assistance is essential.
• Field of Study: Enrollment in an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification within one of the approved fields is necessary.
• Academic Level: Students must have completed their first year of study and be entering their second year or a higher level.
• Institution Recognition: Study must be at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution within South Africa.
• Academic Record: Applicants should possess a strong academic history, showing potential for success.

Bursary Renewal Conditions

The NHFC bursary is renewable on an annual basis. However, this renewal is dependent on the student consistently maintaining satisfactory academic performance throughout their course of study. Students must keep their grades up to continue receiving financial support.

Required Application Documents

To ensure a complete application, candidates must submit a specific set of supporting documents. These documents help verify eligibility and provide a full picture of the applicant’s circumstances:

• South African ID: A certified copy of the applicant’s identity document.
• Matric Certificate: A certified copy of the Matric certificate.
• Tertiary Academic Record: A certified full academic record from the tertiary institution, including the most recent results, presented on university letterhead.
• Proof of Admission: If applicable, a certified copy of the university admission letter.
• Parent/Guardian ID: Certified copies of the ID documents of parents or guardians.
• Proof of Household Income: Documentation that verifies the household’s financial situation.
• Payslips: Latest payslips for employed parents or guardians.
• Affidavit: An affidavit for unemployed parents or guardians.
• Household Member IDs/Birth Certificates: Certified ID documents or birth certificates for all members of the household.

How to Apply for the NHFC Bursary 2027

The application process for the NHFC Bursary 2027 involves completing an official application form and submitting it with all required documents via email.

Applicants must download the official NHFC bursary application form. Once completed, the form, along with all supporting documents, should be sent to [email protected] . It is important to use the subject line “NHFC Bursary Application 2027” in the email.

Bursary Application Closing Date

The deadline for submitting applications for the NHFC Bursary 2027 is September 30, 2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.

Enquiries

For any questions or clarifications regarding the bursary program, applicants can contact the NHFC Human Resources Division by emailing [email protected] .

Important Application Notes

This bursary is specifically intended for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It generally supports undergraduate students from their second year of study onwards, as well as postgraduate students. It is crucial to include all required supporting documents with your application, as incomplete submissions may lead to disqualification. The exact monetary value of the bursary is not specified, and additional expenses like accommodation are covered at the NHFC’s discretion.

Closing Date

The closing date for the NHFC Bursary 2027 applications is September 30, 2026.