Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela briefed the media in Hatfield, Pretoria on Monday, 15 September 2025. He confirmed that 2026 NSFAS applications will launch on Tuesday at the University of Pretoria, with submissions to be made on the MyNSFAS portal. The Minister also announced measures to stabilise 2025 funding, including payments for blocked registrations and student accommodation.
What Happened
Manamela said government has reprioritised R13.3 billion to cover shortfalls in 2025—34,000 blocked registrations and 15,000 second-semester registrations—with a circular going out to institutions today to reopen registrations and enable accommodation providers to claim payments.
He outlined projected 2026 first-year spaces: 235,000 at universities, 170,000 at TVET colleges, and 120,000 at community colleges. The broader system currently supports about 900,000 students through NSFAS, with total enrolments of 1.1 million at universities, 527,000 at TVETs and 130,000 at community colleges.
Key 2026 changes:
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Applications via MyNSFAS (mobile-friendly), with real-time tracking and document uploads.
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Automatic verification through SASSA, SARS and Home Affairs to reduce fraud and paperwork.
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Regionalised NSFAS service centres to assist applicants in rural and township areas.
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TVET reform drive, including plans to expand occupational trades to 800+ and to implement fee-free funding for TVET students (details to follow).
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A ministerial “war room” for the 2026 academic year to fast-track decisions on allowances, accommodation accreditation, certificates and dispute resolution.
Official Response
“Tomorrow, at the University of Pretoria, we will officially launch the 2026 NSFAS application process,” Manamela said, adding that applications close on 15 November and will not reopen.
On readiness:
“Readiness is the lived experience of every student and family… that the doors of learning and culture open fairly, on time, and without unnecessary barriers.”
On funding and fraud:
“Eligibility for bursaries is household income up to R350 000 (up to R600 000 for students with disabilities). With our links to SARS and Home Affairs, fraudulent applications will be detected.”
NSFAS leadership, speaking at the briefing, said a circular to universities today will allow blocked 2025 students to be confirmed as registered and enable accommodation payments. A Student Accommodation Protocol—now out for comment—requires placement within four hours of arrival on campus from 2026.
Community Impact
The announcement gives matrics and returning students clear timelines and a single application route. Institutions expect fewer start-of-year disruptions thanks to the war room and the accommodation protocol. Manamela also urged learners to apply early and consider TVET and community colleges as credible, employability-focused pathways, given limited university capacity and high first-year dropout risks.
FAQ
When do 2026 NSFAS applications open and close?
Open: Tuesday (16 September 2025) at the University of Pretoria launch, via MyNSFAS.
Close: 15 November 2025. No extensions are planned.
Where do I apply?
Online on the MyNSFAS portal using any internet-enabled device.
Who qualifies?
Bursary eligibility generally requires household income ≤ R350 000 (≤ R600 000 for students with disabilities). “Missing-middle” students (up to R600 000) may be considered for NSFAS loans under the comprehensive funding model.
What about 2025 blocked students and accommodation arrears?
A circular issued on Monday 15 September allows institutions to confirm registrations; accommodation providers may submit claims for payment.
How many first-year places are projected for 2026?
~235k (universities), 170k (TVETs), 120k (community colleges).
