The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it has completed all funding decisions for the 2026 academic year before universities and colleges reopen. It said it received 893,847 applications from first-time entering students. Of these: The scheme said some first-time students who qualify financially still need to show proof they have been accepted by a higher education institution.
Applications marked as “incomplete” or “in process” are those where documents are outstanding. The NSFAS said affected applicants have been notified and told exactly which documents they must submit. “The outstanding documentation primarily includes the parental consent form, which enables household income verification, and a correctly completed and signed NSFAS declaration form.” For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS has further streamlined its appeals process to ensure every student is afforded a fair and equitable opportunity to have their application reconsidered The NSFAS said applicants have 30 days from the date they are notified to submit the missing documents.
Applications that are incomplete after that period will not be processed and will be regarded as unsuccessful. For continuing university students, the NSFAS assisted 545,952 previously funded students. Of these: The NSFAS said TVET college results would be released on January 13 and were not yet included.
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Rejected students are allowed to appeal the decision. “For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS has further streamlined its appeals process to ensure every student is afforded a fair and equitable opportunity to have their application reconsidered.” The scheme said the appeals window is open and students have 30 days from receiving their outcome to submit a complete appeal with all supporting documents. Appeals that are incomplete will not be processed.
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