Over 600,000 new applicants for NSFAS funding as 2026 academic year approaches

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that it will provide funding for more than 1 million tertiary education students for the upcoming 2026 academic year, marking a significant increase in support for South African learners.

Of these students, over 600,000 are first-time applicants seeking financial aid to further their educational journeys.

In an official statement released this week, NSFAS revealed that it received a total of 893,847 applications for the 2026 academic year. Among these applications, 609,403 have qualified for financial assistance.

However, the institution noted that 49,538 applications were rejected outright for financial aid, while 218,043 remain incomplete, pending the submission of required documents. Additionally, 16,863 applications have been withdrawn or cancelled.

As part of its ongoing commitment to equitable access to education, NSFAS has revamped its appeals process, ensuring that all students have a fair opportunity to have their applications reconsidered.

Students who receive a negative outcome are urged to start the appeals process promptly, as the window for appeals is strictly limited to just 30 days from the date of notification.

"The appeals window is open, and NSFAS will notify students of the outcome of their appeals on an ongoing basis," the statement emphasised. "It is imperative that students submit all required supporting documentation as part of their appeal, as incomplete submissions cannot be processed."

This directive underlines the importance of timely and complete submissions to avoid forfeiture of the appeal opportunity.

NSFAS also highlighted that first-time students who meet the financial eligibility criteria may still need to provide confirmation of acceptance from their chosen higher education institution, a step closely tied to the release of matric results.

With only eight days remaining before Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gawarube announces the 2025 matric cohort’s National Senior Certificate results on 12 January 2026, prospective students must remain vigilant in their preparation.

For those previously funded by NSFAS, the outlook is one of cautious optimism. The institution reported that 416,688 continuing students met the academic progression criteria to continue receiving funding, while 129,264 students were discontinued due to failure to meet those academic requirements.

This underscores NSFAS’s commitment to supporting students while also upholding academic standards.