NSFAS reports nearly 900,000 funding applications for 2026 academic year
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme received 893,849 applications from first-time tertiary education students for 2026.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it received 893,849 applications from first-time university and Further Education and Training (FET) college students for the 2026 academic year.
The application period opened on September 16 and closed on November 15 and decisions on funding eligibility are currently being communicated to students.
NSFAS explained that continuing students are not required to reapply for NSFAS.
“NSFAS is pleased to report significant progress in the assessment process. To date, 481,128 from SASSA beneficiary applications have been successfully assessed and issued with funding eligibility decisions. In addition, 49,132 non-SASSA applications have been assessed with other applications continuing.”
Students who applied for funding are advised to log in to their myNSFAS portal to view their current application status and any updates related to their submissions.
“Applicants who have received SMS and email notifications regarding outstanding or incorrect documentation are reminded that they have 30 days from the date of notification to submit the required information. Applications that remain incomplete after this period will not be processed and will remain unsuccessful.”
NSFAS said it was committed to finalising all funding eligibility decisions for both first time entering and continuing students by December 31 to ensure that students approach the academic year with certainty.
“The NSFAS Contact Centre will remain operational throughout the festive period to provide support and assist applicants with enquiries related to their applications and funding status.”