The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has concluded all funding decisions for the 2026 academic year. The announcement was made on 2 January 2026, confirming that all applications have been processed before the start of the new academic year.
Out of 893,847 first-time applicants:
- 609,403 qualify for financial aid
- 49,538 were rejected
- 218,043 are incomplete and awaiting documents
- 16,863 have been withdrawn or cancelled
For continuing university students:
- 416,688 met the academic progression criteria
- 129,264 did not meet progression requirements
TVET college funding decisions will follow after the release of results on 13 January 2026.
When to Expect 2025 Mop-Up Payments
NSFAS has also addressed mop-up payments for 2025. Many outstanding claims to higher education institutions and accommodation providers have been settled. For remaining short payments, NSFAS is working with providers to resolve these matters and has asked them to submit claims through official channels.
How the 2026 Appeals Process Works
Students whose applications were rejected have the right to appeal. This applies to both first-time and returning students.
Key steps:
- Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the outcome
- All supporting documents must be included
- Incomplete appeals will not be processed
- NSFAS will provide ongoing notifications about appeal outcomes
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all documents in advance and meet the deadline to avoid forfeiting the appeal opportunity.
Official Tables: Student Funding Outcomes
First-Time Entering Students
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Applications qualifying for financial aid | 609,403 |
| Applications rejected | 49,538 |
| Incomplete applications (awaiting documents) | 218,043 |
| Withdrawn/cancelled applications | 16,863 |
| Total | 893,847 |
Continuing Students
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Met academic progression criteria | 416,688 |
| Did not meet academic progression criteria | 129,264 |
| Total continuing students assessed | 545,952 |
A Message to the Matric Class of 2025
NSFAS extended its best wishes to the 2025 Matric class as they await their results. The statement acknowledged their dedication and resilience, encouraging them to take pride in their journey and prepare for opportunities in higher education.
“Congratulations on completing this important chapter. We look forward to welcoming many of you into the next phase of your academic journey.”
NSFAS Contact Details
For queries, students can contact NSFAS at:
- Email: media@nsfas.org.za
- Phone: 0800 067 327
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
