NSFAS Chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke announced that NSFAS has completed all funding decisions and is ready for the 2026 academic year, with systems in place to support student registration and allowance disbursements.
The NSFAS committee has put systems in place to support universities, TVET colleges, and students during registration and disbursement periods.
For the 2026 funding cycle, NSFAS received a record 893,847 applications. This highlights the 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. With a further 49,538 applications rejected after assessment, and 16,862 cancelled.
The NSFAS Chairperson thanked applicants, saying, “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.”
WATCH | NSFAS has announced that from 2026, payments will go straight to accredited service providers instead of being routed through institutions or middlemen. pic.twitter.com/cUZnSqXeNv
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 6, 2026
What students need to know is that NSFAS has decided that upfront payments will be made available on February 1st, 2026, covering the full book allowance and one month of meal, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances.
Mr Mugwena Maluleke further said, “Payments will not be made to third-party or institutional accounts,” and emphasised the need for eligible students to ensure their banking details are accurate on the portal.
For students appealing NSFAS rejections, the NSFAS appeals window for 2026 will open immediately after funding outcomes are released, with the final deadline set for January 14, 2026. Appeal outcomes will be further communicated by February 16, 2026.
Also see: Student showcases house built with NSFAS savings – Internet sceptical
Image: Sourced / X
