NSFAS 2026 Funding Approvals Reach Record Levels

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), South Africa's primary bursary and loan program for students from low-income households attending public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, has marked a significant milestone in the 2026 academic year. Over 1.24 million students have been approved for funding, comprising 692,704 first-time entering students and 550,959 continuing students who met academic progression requirements. This approval rate underscores NSFAS's commitment to expanding access to higher education amid rising demand.

Funding decisions began rolling out from mid-December 2025 via the myNSFAS student portal, allowing applicants to track their status in real-time. Eligible students receive comprehensive bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and personal allowances, tailored to their institution type and living arrangements. For context, NSFAS targets households earning less than R350,000 annually, prioritizing orphans, vulnerable children, and those with disabilities through additional support forms.

This surge in approvals reflects proactive application processing, with NSFAS concluding all initial decisions by early January 2026. However, the volume highlights ongoing pressures on the system, including verification against government databases for income and identity accuracy.

Breakdown of R6.3 Billion in Disbursements

NSFAS has swiftly followed approvals with substantial disbursements totaling over R6.3 billion to universities, ensuring institutions can support student registrations and operations. On February 2, 2026, R3.557 billion was released for upfront student allowances, including accommodation components. This was followed by R2.825 billion on March 2, bringing the total for universities to approximately R6.38 billion.

TVET colleges received targeted payments: R679 million on February 2 for tuition, R145 million on February 13 for 51,130 students' allowances, and R446 million on February 27 for 138,115 students, focusing on transport and living costs. These phased payments align with registration cycles, minimizing disruptions.

Acting NSFAS CEO Waseem Carrim emphasized, “These are not just figures; they represent our commitment to removing financial barriers.” Yet, with budget constraints from prior years lingering, efficient allocation remains critical.

The Appeals Surge: Over 100,000 Challenges Processed

As funding outcomes disseminated, a wave of appeals emerged, with NSFAS processing 101,201 by early March 2026. Of these, 22,654 were approved, granting additional opportunities; 18,108 rejected after review; 44,411 closed, deleted, or withdrawn; and 9,073 pending due to missing documents. The 30-day appeal window from outcome notification has driven this volume, with a final deadline for outstanding documents on March 31, 2026.

Common appeal grounds include academic progression shortfalls, financial eligibility disputes, medical conditions, or traumatic events. NSFAS has streamlined the process for fairness, urging students to upload evidence promptly via the portal to avoid closure.

• Upload ID copies, academic records, income proofs, or medical certificates.
• Track status regularly on myNSFAS.
• Appeals subject to budget availability.

This surge signals transparency but strains resources, as noted by Board Chairperson Dr. Mugwena Maluleke: “No deserving student should be denied due to financial constraints.”

Step-by-Step Guide to the NSFAS Appeals Process

Appealing a rejection starts with logging into myNSFAS. Students select 'Appeal' within 30 days, detailing reasons and attaching documents like progress reports or affidavits. NSFAS reviews against criteria: academic eligibility (e.g., 50% pass rate for continuing students), household income under R350,000, and South African citizenship or permanent residency.

Processing takes weeks, with notifications via SMS/email. Approved appeals trigger funding confirmation and disbursements. For incomplete cases, NSFAS sends specific document requests—failure to comply by March 31 risks final rejection.

Pro tip: Verify details early against SITA, SARS, and UIF databases to preempt issues. Thousands have succeeded, turning rejections into approvals.

Accommodation Funding: Applications and First Payments

NSFAS received 224,983 accommodation applications for 2026, but only 148,825 signed leases from students and providers. This gap risks delays, as payments require verified agreements. The first direct accommodation disbursement is slated for March 13, 2026, with the provider portal closing March 31.

In 2026, NSFAS shifted to direct payments to accredited private providers, bypassing cash allowances to curb misuse. Providers must register properties, undergo inspections for safety/standards, and secure three-year contracts.

For students: Search available beds via the portal, apply, confirm leases. This addresses past fraud but demands swift action amid high demand.

South Africa's Persistent Student Housing Shortfall

Beyond NSFAS, South Africa faces a structural accommodation crisis: a 550,000-bed deficit per 2021 IFC reports. Enrollment ballooned to 2.2 million, but infrastructure lags—e.g., Tshwane University of Technology houses 20% of 60,000 students; University of Johannesburg fielded 99,472 applications for limited spots.

Rural students suffer most, arriving late to find substandard options, mafias, or GBV risks. NSFAS pilots grading systems (proximity, security, amenities) and PPPs to expand supply.

Impacts on Universities and TVET Colleges

Public universities like UKZN, UCT, and Wits grapple with registration blocks from delayed confirmations, while TVETs prioritize artisan training amid funding. Protests erupted at CPUT, NMU, and Fort Hare over evictions and shortfalls, disrupting starts.

Institutions collaborate on verification, but historical debts exacerbate exclusions. NSFAS's upfront payments eased some pressures, yet appeals backlog affects planning.

Explore higher education jobs at these institutions for support roles amid expansions.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Protests

Students voice frustration on X (#NSFAS2026 trending) over delays; unions demand budget hikes. Government blames incomplete docs; providers seek rate clarity. DA calls for interventions against violence.

• Protests: CPUT evictions, UFH boycotts.
• Solutions: Helpdesks resolved 55k queries.

Government Solutions and Future Outlook

Minister Buti Manamela aligns TVET/university courses to labor markets; NSFAS eyes AI for dropouts, direct payments. Budget 2026 allocates R54.3B for NSFAS, R50.5B unis.

Outlook: Full appeals resolution by April, expanded beds via PPPs. Students: Leverage scholarships for gaps; pursue SA academic jobs.

Photo by Sharaan Muruvan on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Students and Parents

Monitor myNSFAS daily; prepare docs early. For careers post-funding, visit higher ed career advice or rate my professor. NSFAS transforms lives—stay engaged.

In summary, NSFAS 2026 advances equity despite hurdles. With proactive steps, more students will thrive.