The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a record number of applications for the 2026 academic year.
During a press conference today (6 January), NSFAS acting Board Chair Dr Mugwena Maluleke said that they received 893 847 applications, of which 609 653 have been approved. There are 203 731 applications still in progress.
Around 66% of these applications were submitted by female students, a reflection of the ongoing trend of strong female participation in tertiary education. Applicants who are SASSA beneficiaries account for 520 545 applications. NSFAS received 2 551 applications from students with disabilities.
Students applying to study for the first time accounted for 766 232 applications. NSFAS received 621 applications from prospective students older than fifty years.
To ensure a smooth registration process, all universities and TVET colleges were expected to submit their 2025 academic results by 15 December 2025. This ensures NSFAS has enough time to verify the academic eligibility of applicants and release funding statuses in time for continuing students before registration begins.
Accommodation challenges addressed
One of the greatest challenges faced by NSFAS students is accommodation. According to Dr Maluleke, university-led allowance distribution will be extended through 2026.
Accommodation allowances for students in private accommodation will be paid directly to the accredited providers, who must have legitimate agreements with the student.
“NSFAS is implementing a transitional framework designed to facilitate the shift towards a more centralised, transparent, and student-focused accommodation system,” he said.
All higher education institutions and private accommodation providers are required to adopt this new framework to ensure a seamless process for the allocation and management of accommodation for both new entrants and returning students.
All accommodation dates, including opening, closing, move-in, and move-out periods, will be aligned with the academic calendar to prevent students from being stranded during the academic year.
The accommodation portal is being upgraded to enable students to apply for accommodation, track their application status, accept offers, and log maintenance issues on a single platform.
To ensure clear and timely communication between NSFAS and accommodation providers, a reporting and reconciliation process will be established. This will guarantee prompt payment to providers.
Payment and registration support
Eligible students will receive an upfront payment on 1 February, covering the full book allowance, one month of meals, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances. Universities will be responsible for ensuring correct disbursement to eligible students.
During the registration process, NSFAS will deploy servicing administrators to all 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges from 13 January to 31 March. Graduate interns will work alongside servicing administrators.
The MyNSFAS Manager Portal is now open for 2026 registration data uploads. Beneficiaries at TVET colleges will continue to receive their allowances directly into their personal bank accounts.
