NSFAS funding for 2026: Everything you need to know

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it is fully prepared for the 2026 academic year, with all funding applications processed ahead of schedule and systems in place to support universities, TVET colleges, and students during registration and disbursement periods.

Addressing the media at the GCIS Hatfield offices in Pretoria on Tuesday, NSFAS Acting Board Chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke said the scheme had met its commitment to finalise all 2026 funding decisions by the end of 2025, marking a critical step in stabilising the start of the academic year.

“NSFAS is pleased to confirm that we have processed all 2026 funding applications prior to the start of the academic year, as committed to by December 31, 2025,” Maluleke said.

Record number of applications processed

NSFAS received a record 893,847 applications for the 2026 funding cycle, highlighting the continued demand for financial assistance to access higher education and training. Of these, 609,653 applications have been approved, while 218,043 remain incomplete due to outstanding documentation.

A further 49,538 applications were rejected after assessment, and 16,862 were cancelled.

Female applicants accounted for nearly two-thirds of all submissions, with 593,981 applications, 66.45%, compared to 299,866 applications, 33.55%, from male applicants.

More than 520,000 applications came from SASSA beneficiaries, and 2,551 applications were submitted by students with disabilities.

Maluleke thanked applicants and their families for engaging with the process.

“Your commitment to pursuing further education and your proactive engagement with our processes are truly commendable. We appreciate the trust you have placed in NSFAS to support your academic journey.”

Funding decisions and registration deadlines

According to NSFAS, all 2026 funding decisions were completed by December 31, 2025, with funding lists made available to universities from January 2, 2026.

The registration upload portal opened on January 5, 2026, and institutions have been urged to submit accurate data early, as disbursements will be based strictly on verified information.

Universities were required to submit 2025 academic results by December 15, 2025, to allow NSFAS to assess the eligibility of continuing students. Maluleke warned that late or incomplete submissions could delay funding confirmations.

“This submission is critical for NSFAS to verify academic eligibility and release funding statuses for continuing students before registration begins,” he said.

Upfront payments and allowances

NSFAS confirmed that upfront payments will be made on February 1, 2026, covering the full book allowance and one month of meal, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances. Universities will be responsible for ensuring that eligible students receive these funds correctly.

For TVET colleges, NSFAS will advance 20% of each college’s 2025 tuition allocation on January 31, 2026, to support cash flow at the start of the academic year. TVET students will continue to receive allowances directly into their personal bank accounts.

“Payments will not be made to third-party or institutional accounts,” Maluleke said, emphasising the need for students to ensure their banking details are accurate on the portal.

New accommodation system

A major focus for 2026 is the introduction of a more centralised and transparent accommodation framework. NSFAS said accommodation allowances for students in private housing will be paid directly to accredited providers, with tighter reporting and reconciliation processes.

“We are implementing a transitional framework designed to facilitate the shift towards a more centralised, transparent, and student-focused accommodation system,” Maluleke said.

The upgraded accommodation portal will allow students to apply, track applications, accept offers, and report maintenance issues, while ensuring alignment with academic calendars to prevent students from being stranded.

Appeals and on-campus support

The NSFAS appeals window for 2026 opened immediately after funding outcomes were released, with the final deadline set for January 14, 2026. Appeal outcomes will be communicated by February 16, 2026.

To support institutions during registration, NSFAS will deploy servicing administrators and graduate interns to all 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges from January 13 to March 31, 2026.

Message to the class of 2025

Addressing the matric class of 2025, Maluleke said NSFAS was ready to support qualifying students as they enter higher education.

“As you prepare to embark on the next phase of higher education and training, NSFAS stands ready to support you in the pursuit of your aspirations,” he said.

Commitment to accountability

Maluleke reaffirmed NSFAS’s commitment to improving efficiency and ensuring eligible students are supported.

“Let us continue working together to uphold accountability, improve efficiency, and provide every eligible student with the support they require to succeed,” he said.

NSFAS says all major milestones for the 2026 academic year remain “on track”, with the registration portal set to close on March 31, 2026.

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