The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has confirmed major progress in its 2026 funding cycle.
As of 5 February 2026, NSFAS reported updated figures for first-time students, returning beneficiaries, loan applicants, appeals, and student accommodation. The update was delivered during an official briefing in Pretoria .
What is happening?
NSFAS has approved funding for 660,039 first-time entering students for the 2026 academic year.
However, thousands of applications are still being processed due to missing documents, academic results, or verification checks.
First-time entering students
- 660,039 approved
- 85,662 in progress (verification underway)
- 21,483 pending supporting documents
- 116,266 did not meet bursary criteria
- 13,052 of those were offered NSFAS loans
Returning university students
- 436,924 met academic progression requirements
- 109,761 did not meet progression standards
- 4,945 pending due to outstanding academic results
Continuing TVET college students
- 210,989 in funding process
- 127,503 met progression criteria
- 79,461 did not qualify for continued support
- 1,407 course mismatch cases
- 2,126 awaiting funding decisions
- 811 being linked to funding streams
Why it matters to you
Your funding outcome depends on academic progression, document submission, and institutional data submission.
If your documents are missing, your application will not be finalised. Similarly, if your institution has not submitted academic results, your funding may remain pending.
However, students who did not qualify for bursaries may still be considered for the NSFAS loan scheme.
What you need to know
NSFAS Loan Scheme 2026
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| Total loan applications | 26,538 |
| Met loan criteria | 4,609 |
| Loans approved so far | 1,561 |
| Not approved | 20,368 |
The loan programme targets students in the “missing middle” income group, whose household income exceeds bursary thresholds but cannot cover full study costs .
NSFAS Appeals Update
NSFAS received 91,937 appeals for 2026.
| Appeal outcome | Number |
|---|---|
| Approved | 10,445 |
| Rejected | 5,407 |
| Finalised/closed | 44,983 |
| Awaiting documents | 3,209 |
| Still under review | 27,893 |
If your appeal is awaiting documents, you must upload outstanding information immediately to avoid further delays.
Student accommodation update
NSFAS received 194,069 accommodation applications.
TVET colleges
- 16,526 approved
- 50,810 pending institutional review
- 24,837 awaiting landlord approval
Universities
- 39,127 approved
- 39,984 pending institutional review
- 29,027 awaiting landlord approval
Private accommodation rates for 2026 are still under review and will be announced after the national budget process is finalised .
NSFAS is also upgrading its accommodation portal to allow students to apply, track status, accept offers, and log maintenance issues.
What you should do next
If you are a first-time applicant:
- Log into your NSFAS portal and check your status
- Upload any outstanding documents
- Confirm your registration with your institution
If you are a returning student:
- Ensure you meet academic progression criteria
- Confirm your results have been submitted
- Track your appeal status if applicable
If you applied for accommodation:
- Monitor your application status
- Follow up with your institution if pending
- Confirm move-in dates aligned to the academic calendar
Where to get help
Official NSFAS contact channels:
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Toll-free: 0800 067 327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
For more verified updates, visit our NSFAS / Education coverage hub.
You can also read:
- How to check your NSFAS status
- What academic progression rules mean
- How the NSFAS loan repayment works
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