The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that R3.6 billion has been paid to universities for student allowance payments, while a further R679 million has been disbursed to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges for tuition fees.
NSFAS Acting CEO Wassem Carrim said that upfront payments were made earlier this month to ensure students receive financial support on time.
“Upfront payments were made on 2 February 2026, with allowance disbursements to TVET college students scheduled for 13 February 2026, followed by a second disbursement on 27 February 2026, due to extended registration periods,” Carrim said.
Update on NSFAS Appeals for 2026
Providing an update on the NSFAS appeals process for the 2026 academic year, Carrim revealed that a total of 91 937 appeals have been lodged.
To date:
– 10 445 appeals have been approved
– 27 893 appeals are currently in process
– 3 209 are awaiting supporting documents
– 5 407 appeals have been rejected
– 44 983 appeals have been closed, deleted, finalised or withdrawn
The NSFAS appeals process allows applicants and current beneficiaries to request a review of their funding outcome if they believe their circumstances were not fully considered or if new information has become available.
“NSFAS remains committed to processing all appeals fairly, transparently, and efficiently. We encourage all applicants to ensure that their contact information and supporting documentation are up to date, and to monitor communication from NSFAS regarding the status of their appeal.”
Students were reminded that once an appeal outcome is communicated, they have a maximum of 30 days to finalise the appeal process.
Student Accommodation Update
Turning to student accommodation, Carrim emphasised that access to safe and suitable housing is critical to student success and well-being.
NSFAS is working closely with higher education institutions, students and key stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and the South African TVET Student Association (SATVETSA), to improve accommodation processes and address challenges experienced by students.
In response to concerns raised by institutions, NSFAS has developed a detailed guidance circular to clarify accommodation requirements and payment processes.
“For the upcoming academic year, higher education institutions participating in the student accommodation project will continue to have their accommodation payments managed directly by NSFAS, while institutions that have historically managed accommodation payments independently will maintain their current arrangements during this transitional period,” Carrim said.
Accommodation Application Figures
NSFAS reported that 194 071 accommodation applications have been received from universities and TVET colleges.
– 55 653 applications have been approved
– 90 794 are pending institutional review
– 53 864 are awaiting landlord approval
NSFAS continues to engage with institutions and landlords to speed up approvals and prioritise student well-being.
Addressing accommodation concerns at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and other institutions, Carrim clarified that CPUT manages its accommodation independently. NSFAS has engaged with the university and will support efforts to resolve challenges affecting NSFAS-funded students.
Warning to Accommodation Providers
NSFAS also issued a warning to accommodation providers against housing students without confirming their NSFAS funding status or relocating students without following proper procedures.
“NSFAS will take a zero-tolerance approach on these matters. NSFAS further encourages any students who may be facing issues with accommodation to report these to NSFAS via our official channels.”
2026 Allowances and Accommodation Rates
Carrim confirmed that NSFAS allowance amounts and accommodation rates for 2026 are currently under review. These adjustments are informed by factors such as inflation, student academic progression, enrolment figures and available budget allocations.
NSFAS will make recommendations on the final 2026 rates once the National Budget process has been completed.
