609,403 students approved but why some NSFAS applicants are still waiting
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it has completed the processing of all funding applications for the 2026 academic year, ahead of the reopening of universities and colleges.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, NSFAS revealed that it received a record 893,847 applications from first-time entering students for the upcoming academic year. The scheme confirmed that all funding decisions were finalised by its self-imposed 31 December deadline.
As the new academic year approaches, acting NSFAS board chairperson Mugwena Maluleke called on higher education institutions to urgently submit students’ 2025 academic results along with their 2026 admission lists. This, he said, is essential to allow NSFAS to validate and prioritise funding for eligible students.
It is revealed that a breakdown of applications from first-time entrants shows that 609,403 applicants qualified for financial aid, while 49,538 applications were rejected. A further 218,043 applications were marked incomplete due to missing documentation, and 16,863 applications were withdrawn or cancelled.
The funding scheme added that some financially qualifying first-time students are still required to submit proof of acceptance at a registered higher education institution before their funding can be finalised.
NSFAS said some first-time students who qualify financially are still required to provide proof of acceptance at a registered higher education institution before funding can be finalised.
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Applications marked as “incomplete” or “in process” relate to outstanding documentation. Affected applicants have been notified and informed of the specific documents required.
“The outstanding documentation primarily includes the parental consent form, which enables household income verification, and a correctly completed and signed NSFAS declaration form,” the scheme said.
Applicants have 30 days from the date of notification to submit all outstanding documents, failing which their applications will be deemed unsuccessful.
For continuing university students, Maluleke said NSFAS supported 545,952 previously funded students. Of these, 416,688 met the academic progression requirements and will continue receiving funding, while 129,264 students did not meet the criteria and will not qualify for further support.
The student funder noted that TVET college results, due for release on 13 January, were not yet included in the figures.
It is also revealed that students whose applications were rejected may submit appeals confirming that its appeals process for the 2026 academic year has been further streamlined to ensure fairness and accessibility.
“The appeals window is open, and students have 30 days from receiving their outcome to submit a complete appeal with all supporting documents,” he said, adding that incomplete appeals will not be processed.
Saturday Star