Staff Reporter
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has completed all 2026 funding decisions ahead of the academic year and has started mop-up payments for 2025.
“All students can view their funding statuses via the NSFAS Portal,” NSFAS said in a statement.
It said it had assessed 893,847 applications from first-time entering students, with 609,403 qualifying for financial aid.
It said 49,538 first-time applications were rejected, 16,863 were withdrawn or cancelled, while 218,043 were incomplete and still awaiting supporting documents.
NSFAS said incomplete applications were tied to missing documentation and would be reconsidered once applicants submit the required information.
“Applications classified as ‘in process’ and reflected as ‘incomplete’ relate to cases where additional documentation is outstanding.”
It warned applicants with outstanding documents that time limits apply.
“As previously communicated, applicants with outstanding documentation are reminded that they have 30 days from the date of notification to submit the required information. Applications that remain incomplete after 30 days will not be processed further and will be deemed unsuccessful.”
For continuing students, NSFAS said it had assessed 545,952 previously funded university students against academic progression criteria. Of those, 416,688 had met the requirements to continue receiving funding, while 129,264 had not. TVET results will be released on 13 January.
NSFAS also said rejected students can challenge outcomes through an appeals process.
“Rejected students, whether first-time entrants or continuing, have the right to appeal the NSFAS decision.”
“The appeals window is open, and NSFAS will notify students of the outcome of their appeals on an ongoing basis.”
On 2025 payments, NSFAS said it had cleared many outstanding claims from higher education institutions and accommodation providers, while acknowledging some short payments remain.
“Where short payments remain, NSFAS is committed to working with accommodation providers in resolving these claims timeously and requests accommodation providers to lodge claims through the relevant NSFAS channels.”
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