The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially commenced its announcement of funding eligibility decisions for the upcoming 2026 academic year, reports Cape {town} Etc.
In a recent statement, the organisation indicated that it began releasing these important outcomes, shortly after the closure of the application window.
The application period for NSFAS funding for 2026 spanned from September 16 to November 15, during which a staggering 893,849 applications were lodged by first-time entrants. It is significant to note that continuing students were not required to reapply for funding this year.
NSFAS expressed confidence in its efficiency, stating it has made ‘significant progress’ in the assessment of applications.
To date, the results are promising: 481,128 applications from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) beneficiaries have been successfully assessed and issued with funding decisions.
Furthermore, 49,132 applications from non-SASSA beneficiaries have also been evaluated. The remaining applications are still being processed, underlining NSFAS’s commitment to supporting students in need.
For those waiting with bated breath, NSFAS has encouraged all applicants to log into their individual myNSFAS portals. This feature allows them to check their current application status and receive updates related to any submissions made.
However, it’s crucial for applicants to remain vigilant. If they receive SMS or email notifications regarding missing or incorrect documentation, they have a 30-day window from the date of notification to provide the required information.
NSFAS has emphasised that incomplete applications after this period will not be processed further and will be deemed unsuccessful.
With the end of December fast approaching, NSFAS aims to finalize funding eligibility decisions for both first-time and continuing students before the year closes.
Additionally, the scheme has announced that its contact centre will remain operational throughout the festive season, providing essential support for inquiries regarding applications and funding status.
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This continuous assistance is particularly helpful for applicants who may have pressing questions during this transitional period.
For further assistance, applicants are advised to contact NSFAS directly for any specific queries regarding their applications.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images





