NSFAS has completed all funding decisions for 2026 academic year

NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it has completed all funding decisions for the 2026 academic year ahead of the reopening of universities and colleges.

It says it had received over 893 000 applications from first-time entering students, with more than 609 000 applications qualifying for financial aid.

NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, was addressing the media on the scheme’s state of readiness for the 2026 academic year.

“All funding decisions for 2026 were completed by 31st December 2025. The initial release for the time entering students took place on the 15th of December 2025 and universities are now able to access the funding the list. University-led allowance distribution will be extended through 2026. Monthly remittances returns must be submitted to us detailing students paid, types of allowances and dates of payment.”

WATCH | NSFAS has announced that from 2026, payments will go straight to accredited service providers instead of being routed through institutions or middlemen. pic.twitter.com/cUZnSqXeNv

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 6, 2026

NSFAS Acting CEO Waseem Carrim assures students and institutions that the scheme is taking all necessary steps to prevent administrative hiccups in the 2026 academic year.

“What we see is that 70% of NSFAS beneficiaries come from households that were previously dependent on social grants. Today, 60% of government chief directors, DDGs and DGs were previously funded by NSFAS.”

WATCH | NSFAS Acting CEO Waseem Carrim has assured students and institutions that the scheme is taking all necessary steps to prevent administrative hiccups in the 2026 academic year. pic.twitter.com/EMBLrMihpm

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 6, 2026