The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that funding decisions have now been finalised for all valid applications received for the 2026 academic year. Students can log in to their myNSFAS accounts to check whether their applications have been successful.
However, NSFAS has also revealed that around 200,000 applications are still classified as incomplete due to outstanding supporting documents.
What Is NSFAS Funding?
NSFAS provides bursaries and living allowances to qualifying South African students studying at public universities or TVET colleges. The bursary covers a student’s first post-matric qualification.
To qualify financially, applicants must come from households earning no more than R350,000 per year. For applicants with disabilities, the household income threshold increases to R600,000 per year.
While there is no official age limit for NSFAS funding, most applications are submitted by learners who have recently completed their matric exams.
NSFAS Confirms Funding Decisions
NSFAS management confirmed that funding decisions have been completed for all applications that included the required documentation.
Applicants can view their funding status by logging in to the myNSFAS portal at MyNSFAS.org.za.
2026 NSFAS Application Statistics
A total of 893,847 applications were received for the 2026 academic year.
609,403 applicants were approved for NSFAS funding.
49,538 applicants were unsuccessful.
218,043 applications were marked as incomplete due to missing documents.
16,863 applications were cancelled or withdrawn.
All applicants are encouraged to log in to the myNSFAS portal to view their personalised funding decision.
What Happens If Your Application Is Incomplete?
Applicants with missing documentation must upload the required documents via the myNSFAS portal. NSFAS has indicated that many incomplete applications are delayed due to outstanding parental consent forms.
NSFAS is required to verify household income with SARS, but this can only be done once parents or guardians give consent, as tax information in South Africa is confidential.
Matric Results Still Pending
For many applicants, final NSFAS approval is still dependent on passing matric. The Minister of Basic Education will announce the national and provincial matric results on the evening of 12 January. Individual results will be available from schools and online from 13 January.
How NSFAS Pays Institutions
NSFAS does not pay tuition fees directly to students. Instead, funds are paid to the relevant university or TVET college. Students must therefore complete their registration at their institution in January or February to finalise the funding process.
Students are advised to regularly check their myNSFAS accounts to stay updated on their application status and any outstanding requirements.
