NSFAS Disability Annexure A: Step-by-Step Guide for Students Applying for Funding in 2027
If a student with a disability would like to apply for funding under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), they should review the supporting documents for their applications. The NSFAS Disability Annexure (also referred to as Disability Annexure A) is one important document.
This form gives information regarding a student’s disability related needs and the kind of support that may be needed throughout their studies. Its completion correctly can help to avoid unnecessary delays due to lack of information, signatures or supporting documents.
This guide provides an explanation of the proper form, who should do it, documents that might be needed and the steps in filling it out for submission.
Note: Please refer to the most up to date 2027 application guidelines and requirements on the official NSFAS website as there may be changes in application guidelines and supporting documents.
The NSFAS Disability Annexure A is what?
The Disability Annexure is one of the documents that can be used to supply information regarding the disability and the support that may be required for a student to attend a higher education institution.
This information could apply to accessible learning materials, assistive technology or communication support, which could be a particular disability need of the student.
The form should have correct details and be adequately filled out following the instructions given by NSFAS. It is not a commitment of funding, but rather a notification that the applicant is eligible to apply for funding.
Who is the Form for?
Students who are applying to NSFAS for funding and have disabilities should check the application for NSFAS for the current requirements and see if the Disability Annexure is required.
Students already receiving disability funding should also determine if they need an updated form. They may need new information or supporting documents if their situation changes.
Contact NSFAS or your university/TVET College’s disability unit before you upload the form if you have any questions regarding the submission of the form.
Who is required to fill out the Disability Annexure?
The student should submit complete and correct personal data and adhere to the instructions of the application. The professional assessment is to be conducted however, by an appropriate qualified professional as specified by NSFAS.
This could be a registered medical practitioner, an appropriately qualified optometrist or physiotherapist or the head of the disability unit in an institution (where permitted).
Students are not allowed to sign the professional assessment themselves or get it signed by someone other than an authorised assessor.
Please reach out to your TVET college or university disability unit or financial aid office if you are already a registered student. Prospective learners should contact their intended institution on how to obtain the desired assessment or contact NSFAS for details.
Download the Correct Form
Start by visiting the official NSFAS disability support page:
You can also consult the official application guidance:
Before completing this Disability Annexure, download and read the instructions. Don’t take it for granted that an older form that was shared on social media is still valid for the upcoming 2027 application cycle.
The right version will help you ensure that you comply with the relevant requirements.
Step 1: Fill in Your Personal Information
Fill out the form with your personal details as specified. This could include your ID number, initial and last names.
Make sure that:
- Your ID is right.
- Your names are the same as those on your official ID.
- All necessary personal information is filled out.
- Form is legible when completed by hand.
- You have written and made corrections in the form according to the directions.
Any instructions in the current form for the use of black ink, capital letters or how corrections are to be initialled must be followed. If the directions say not to use correction fluid, don’t use correction fluid.
Correct information is important to ensure that supporting documents are associated with the right application.
Step 2: Give Disability Information that is accurate.
They can ask for categories like visual and/or hearing impairment, physical disability, psychosocial disability, neurodevelopmental disability, chronic illness or other disability.
The categories and definition on the current form should be used to guide the assessment. Talk with the competent professional who will be conducting the assessment.
Where requested, the professional shall explain the situation the student is in and the support needed.
For instance, a student who is visually impaired might need access to learning materials, while a student who is hearing impaired might require communication support. These are just examples and support will be individualised according to the student’s needs.
Avoid embellishing or making up information to bolster an application. The information should be accurate and should be backed up with the appropriate assessment.
Step 3: Determine if another report is needed.
Students who require an extra medical or professional report should include an extra report with the Disability Annexure.
Requirements are dependent on the type of disability and instructions on the existing NSFAS form. Some psychosocial and neurodevelopmental disabilities and chronic illnesses may need additional information about how the condition impacts upon participation in teaching and learning.
In some cases, for example, for psychosocial or neurodevelopmental disabilities, the relevant guidance may require a report from a registered psychologist or psychiatrist. Some chronic illnesses may require a medical report from a qualified practitioner.
Review latest instructions to see if professional, report details and acceptable report date. Don’t assume that all students require the same supporting documents.
Should you have any doubts, please consult with NSFAS or the disability unit at your institution before applying.
Step 4: VERIFY Signature, Date and Professional Information
Ensure that the professional has completed the necessary assessment sections before requesting the completed form and has verified it.
Review the following:
- All necessary assessment items are filled out.
- Form has been signed by the appropriate professional.
- The date is included.
- The required stamp and professional information is included.
- The information is legible.
- There is a supplemental report available for any other situation you may be in.
Please do not sign on behalf of the professional or insert own stamp. If this information is missing, ask to correct it before submitting the form.
Step 5: Review Signature, Date and Professional Information
Ensure that the professional has completed all the necessary sections of the assessment and verified the information before taking the completed form.
Review the following:
- All necessary assessment elements are filled.
- The form has been signed by the appropriate professional.
- Date included.
- The stamp and professional information is included.
- There is legible information.
- There’s more information in an additional report if it’s relevant to you.
Don’t sign for the professional or stamp it. If any information is missing, please ask for a correction before submitting the form.
This is the last step in the process.The final step in the process is to prepare and upload your documents.
When the form is filled out, create a clear digital copy of the Disability Annexure and a required supporting report.
Access the official myNSFAS website:
Follow the instructions of the portal regarding the format of the file, file size and whether to attach the annexure and supporting report as a single file.
When you have scanned or photographed the documents using a cellphone, make sure that:
- All pages are included.
- The text is easy to read and understand.
- There is no significant information left off.
- Signatures, stamps are visible.
- Pages are in the correct sequence.
Drag the documents to the relevant section and make sure the documents are successfully uploaded. Note that the uploading of the annexure does not necessarily mean that it completes the entire NSFAS application.
Rapid and easy checklist before submission.
Review your documents before submitting using this checklist.
Personal information
ID number and names are correct.
All necessary information for the applicant is filled out.
Disability assessment
The relevant professional has filled in the relevant sections.
Information is correct in the context of the student’s situation.
Any additional report required has been included.
Verification
The required signature and date is included.
Expert information and stamp is provided where applicable.
Upload
Each page has a good amount of white space.
The proper file has been selected.
The documents are handled in accordance with the instructions of the portal.
The application has been submitted following the official application procedure.
Having a copy of your completed forms and application confirmation can assist you in pursuing the application in case you require help later.
What are the consequences of the form being incomplete?
Assessment sections that are not completed or supporting reports that are not attached may result in requests for more information and potential delays.
If NSFAS requires you to correct a document, please read the notice carefully and follow the instructions given. When you do not understand, check with NSFAS or your institution’s disability unit to get a better understanding.
Please be aware that a change in a supporting document does not mean that a new application must be started. Make sure you know what has to be addressed in your current application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students need to fill in the whole Disability Annexure?
The student enters the information required by the school and the professional assessment must be completed by a suitably qualified professional as per NSFAS requirements.
Will all students requiring support for a disability require an additional medical report?
Not necessarily. The rest of the reports are based on the student’s situation and the current form’s needs.
Do you accept images of the form?
Please upload as stated on the official website. When accepting photographs and/or scanned copies, provide clear, full and readable copies of each page.
Does having the Disability Annexure mean that NSFAs will grant funding?
No. The annexure is supporting documentation. Applicants are also required to fulfill the relevant eligibility criteria and go through the application procedures.
Where to find some assistance?
Visit the official NSFAS website or contact your university or TVET college’s disability unit or financial aid office.
Conclusion
The first step students with a disability making an application for funding through NSFAS in 2027 must take is to download the current Disability Annexure and read the instructions and identify which supporting documents are required.
Ensure that the official assessment is done by an authorised professional, confirm all signatures and necessary information, and provide clear copies to upload via the official myNSFAS portal.
While it is not a guarantee of funding, it is possible to avoid unnecessary delays by submitting complete and accurate documents. When you’re not sure about any requirement you need to ask for advice directly from your institution or NSFAS.
Official resources