Over 49,000 student applications rejected by NSFAS for 2026 academic year

Mapaballo Borotho

Nearly 49,500 NSFAS applications for the 2026 academic year have been rejected after rigorous reviews.
Universities have been urged to submit admission lists early to allow funding eligibility processing and student validations to begin.
NSFAS says it is ready for a smooth funding process, with upfront allowances to be paid from 1 February.

Nearly 49,500 student funding applications for the 2026 academic year have been rejected by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) following what it describes as rigorous reviews.

Universities have been urged to submit their 2026 academic year admission lists to the NSFAS portal to allow funding eligibility processing to begin.

NSFAS says early submissions will enable officials to proceed with student validations.

The scheme’s Acting Board Chairperson, Mugwena Maluleke, was briefing the media on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the 2026 academic year.

Maluleke confirmed that the 2025 mop-up payments have already been completed.

He emphasised that NSFAS will issue an upfront payment on 1 February, covering the full book allowance, one month of meal, accommodation, personal care and travel allowances.

Universities will, however, be responsible for ensuring the correct disbursement of funds to eligible students.

Maluleke also confirmed that funding lists have been sent to institutions. He stressed the importance of students opening their own personal bank accounts, warning that funds will not be paid into third-party accounts.

“NSFAS advises all institutions facing challenges to contract the assigned NSFAS institutionalised service advisor,” said Maluleke.

The scheme says major challenges related to fund disbursement have been resolved. Maluleke assured that NSFAS is now ready to ensure a smooth funding process for all eligible students.

The institution received close to 900,000 applications for the 2026 academic year, with approximately 600,000 approved.