Record applications for NSFAS funding
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme received a record 893,847 applications from first-time tertiary education students for 2026.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has guaranteed students vying for financial aid that funding for the 2026 academic year will be done timeously with upfront payments on February 1, aimed at ensuring they are not left stranded in universities and TVET colleges.
Dr Mugwena Maluleke, Chairperson of the NSFAS Board, addressed the media in Pretoria on Tuesday, emphasising the organisation's readiness for the upcoming academic year.
He announced that the disbursement of funds would cover critical expenses such as the full book allowance, one month of meals, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances.
The announcement marks a proactive response to the challenges students faced last year, where protests erupted over NSFAS payment delays, pushing many to attend classes without meals or essential resources. Maluleke’s reassurances aim to prevent the recurrence of such distressing situations.
In the 2026 academic year, NSFAS has set a record with 893,847 applications received, a significant surge reflecting the growing demand for financial support in higher education.
“Of these, 593,981 applications (66.45%) were submitted by female applicants, reflecting the ongoing trend of strong female participation in tertiary education. Male applicants accounted for 299,866 applications (33.55%),” he said.
He revealed that a significant portion of applications were from vulnerable groups, with a total of 520,545 received from SASSA beneficiaries, while 2,551 applications were from students with disabilities.
“To date, 609,653 applications have been approved, with 203,731 applications currently in progress, and 16,862 applications have been cancelled,” he said.
At least 49,568 applicants were denied funding based on exceeding the household income threshold of R350,000 per year.
For those whose applications were rejected, NSFAS has streamlined an appeals process opening immediately upon notification of outcomes. Students can submit the required documentation until the deadline of 14 January 2026, with final outcomes communicated by 16 February 2026.
Interestingly, the majority of applications were made by first-time entry students, totalling 766,232, while senior students submitted 125,157 applications. In terms of age distribution, applications came from a wide demographic, including 428,632 teenagers and 621 individuals aged fifty and above.
NSFAS is also urging students to ensure their qualifications remain current, mandating that universities prevent students from enrolling in expired qualifications, as NSFAS will not fund such entries. The deadline for updating qualification codes is slated for December 10, 2025.
Dr. Maluleke further stated that the distribution of university-led allowances will continue throughout 2026. Monthly remittance returns must be submitted detailing which students have been paid, the types of allowances received, and the timing of these payments. Additionally, payments for accommodation for students in private housing will be sent directly to accredited providers.
In a promising move to enhance student accommodation services, NSFAS is introducing a transitional framework that aims to centralise and simplify the accommodation application process. This updated portal will allow students to apply for accommodation, track their status, accept offers, and report maintenance issues, all from one user-friendly platform.
Dr Maluleke concluded by outlining that all accommodation dates will now align with the academic calendar, aiming to eliminate any potential periods where students could find themselves unable to secure housing during their studies.