FAFSA Application Now Available for Early Testing: Essential Information
The Education Department has initiated a beta test for the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), marking an early start for the application process. This beta test, which began in August 2025, has been limited to a small number of students selected through partnerships. By September 1, more students can request beta access [1].
The full official FAFSA form will become available to all students on October 1, 2025 [1][2], aligning with traditional FAFSA cycles and aiming to provide a smoother and more reliable application process for all users [1][2].
To prepare for filling out the FAFSA, students should create a studentaid.gov account and gather necessary documents such as federal income tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, records of investments, records of untaxed income, and personal identification numbers like Social Security number, Driver's license number, and Alien registration number (for non-U.S. citizens) [3].
It's essential to note that the FAFSA is a free government application used to determine financial aid eligibility for federal, state, and school aid, as well as other programs like work-study and loans [3]. The amount of financial aid a student receives depends on each institution [5].
The deadline to submit the FAFSA form is June 30 [6]. Students and parents can use the federal student aid estimator to get an early approximation of their financial package [6].
The beta test will consist of two phases, with the first phase limited to a small number of students chosen via partnerships. The second phase, open for students to request participation, will start in September [4].
Anyone planning to attend college next year should fill out the FAFSA starting October 1, 2025, which marks the full availability after beta testing phases. The 2026-27 FAFSA will be available to everyone by Oct. 1 [1][2].
[1] - Ed.gov: FAFSA Opens for 2026-27 School Year as Part of Beta Test [2] - Inside Higher Ed: FAFSA Opens for 2026-27 School Year [3] - Federal Student Aid: Prepare for the FAFSA [4] - Ed.gov: FAFSA Beta Testing Begins [5] - Ed.gov: FAFSA and Financial Aid [6] - Federal Student Aid: FAFSA Deadlines
- The California government announced on its official website that the Education Department has started a beta test for the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The editorial section of the Los Angeles Times discussed the FAFSA beta test, highlighting the early start for the application process to ease the burden for students.
- Businesses offering education-and-self-development programs, including online-education platforms, are closely monitoring the FAFSA beta test, as the results may influence their students' financial aid opportunities.
- As Governor Newsom expressed his opinion on the state's commitment to higher education, he emphasized the importance of the FAFSA for Californian students and the need for a smooth and reliable application process.
- The Congressional Office of California recently passed a law requiring all schools in the state to prioritize promoting online-learning resources and tools during the FAFSA application process.
- The Rams, a popular football team based in Los Angeles, launched an initiative to support Los Angeles students by offering additional resources and information to help guide them through the FAFSA application process.
