The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that funding decisions have been completed for all valid applications submitted for the 2026 academic year. Students can now log in to their myNSFAS accounts to check whether they have been approved for funding.
Despite this progress, NSFAS confirmed that approximately 200,000 applications remain incomplete because supporting documents have not yet been submitted.
What Does NSFAS Funding Cover?
NSFAS provides bursaries and living allowances to qualifying South African students studying towards their first post-matric qualification at public universities and TVET colleges.
To meet the financial eligibility criteria, applicants must come from households with a combined annual income of R350,000 or less. For students living with disabilities, the household income threshold is increased to R600,000 per year.
Although there is no age limit for NSFAS funding, the majority of applications are submitted by learners who have recently written their matric examinations.
Funding Decisions Finalised
NSFAS management confirmed that all applications with complete and valid supporting documentation have now been assessed and finalised.
Applicants are encouraged to log in to the myNSFAS portal at MyNSFAS.org.za to view their current funding status.
NSFAS Application Numbers for 2026
A total of 893,847 applications were received for the 2026 academic year.
609,403 applicants were approved for NSFAS funding.
49,538 applicants were unsuccessful.
218,043 applications were marked as incomplete due to outstanding documents.
16,863 applications were cancelled or withdrawn.
Each applicant can view their personalised outcome by accessing their myNSFAS account.
Incomplete Applications Explained
Students whose applications are incomplete are advised to upload the outstanding documents via the myNSFAS portal as soon as possible. NSFAS noted that many delays are caused by missing parental consent forms.
NSFAS is required to verify household income with SARS, but this process can only take place once parents or guardians provide consent, as tax information is confidential.
Matric Results Still Matter
For many students, NSFAS funding remains conditional on passing matric. The Minister of Basic Education is expected to announce the national and provincial matric results on the evening of 12 January. Individual results will be available from schools and online from 13 January.
Payment of Tuition Fees
NSFAS does not pay tuition fees directly to students. Instead, payments are made directly to universities and TVET colleges. Students must therefore ensure that they complete their institutional registration in January or February to secure their funding.
Applicants are encouraged to regularly check their myNSFAS accounts for updates and to respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
