Pretoria: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has processed 893,847 funding applications for the 2026 academic year prior to its commencement. Notably, 66.45% of these applications were submitted by female applicants, reflecting a strong trend of female participation in tertiary education, while male applicants accounted for 33.55% of the total applications. NSFAS Board Chairperson Dr. Mugwena Maluleke shared these insights during a media briefing.
According to South African Government News Agency, 609,653 applications have been approved thus far, with 203,731 still under review. Additionally, 16,862 applications have been cancelled, and 49,568 rejected following a rigorous evaluation process. Among the applicants, 520,545 are South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries, and 2,551 are students with disabilities. Applications from first-time entry students totaled 766,232, while senior students submitted 125,157. The age distribution of applicants spans from teenagers to individuals aged 50 and above.
All funding decisions were finalized by 31 December 2025, with the initial release for first-time entering students occurring on 15 December 2025. Universities now have access to the funding lists. NSFAS has also enhanced the appeals process for 2026, with the appeals window opening immediately as application outcomes are communicated. The final appeal deadline is set for 14 January 2026, with outcomes communicated by 16 February 2026.
In terms of allowance distribution, university-led allowance distribution will continue through 2026. Monthly remittance returns are required to detail students' payments, types of allowances, and payment dates. Accommodation allowances for students in private housing will be paid directly to accredited providers, who must establish legitimate agreements with student occupants. NSFAS is implementing a transitional framework to promote a centralized, transparent, and student-focused accommodation system.
This new framework requires higher education institutions and private accommodation providers to ensure a seamless process for allocation and management of accommodation. Accommodation dates will align with the academic calendar, and the accommodation portal is being upgraded to allow students to apply, track status, accept offers, and log maintenance issues on a single platform. Integration with institutional student management systems will facilitate automatic verification of student registration and NSFAS eligibility.
NSFAS will also introduce a data-driven reporting and reconciliation process to ensure clear and timely reconciliation between NSFAS and accommodation providers. This initiative aims to guarantee prompt payment to providers and encourage their continued participation in the scheme. Additionally, NSFAS is exploring an in-house accommodation payment functionality to enhance financial management and improve reconciliation of funds disbursed.
On 1 February 2026, NSFAS will issue an upfront payment covering the full book allowance and one month of meal, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances. Universities will be responsible for ensuring correct disbursement to eligible students.
For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, NSFAS will advance tuition upfront payments on 31 January 2026, calculated at 20% of each college's 2025 tuition allocation. Subsequent tuition payments will be processed based on valid and verified registration data submissions. The myNSFAS Manager Portal is currently open for 2026 registration data uploads.
TVET college beneficiaries will continue to receive allowances directly into personal bank accounts. Colleges must ensure students accurately capture and verify their banking details on the NSFAS portal. A comprehensive schedule detailing tuition and allowance payment dates, as well as registration upload deadlines, has been communicated to TVET colleges. It is crucial for colleges to submit complete and up-to-date registration data to ensure accurate funding administration.
Registration and student status updates are to be managed continuously to prevent incorrect payments or future recoveries. The 2026 registration template now allows colleges to indicate students' accommodation types and participation in occupational programmes, streamlining verification processes and fund distribution. Changes to student registration data must occur during designated adjustment periods announced by NSFAS, subject to budget availability.
