South Africa’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has just confirmed support for a record-breaking number of students in the 2026 academic year.
According to the latest update, 626,935 first-time applicants have been approved for funding, while 427,144 continuing students who met academic requirements will also receive financial aid.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela shared the announcement during a media briefing on Thursday, highlighting the scheme’s crucial role in opening doors to higher education for students from low-income and working-class families.
Record Number of Applications Puts Pressure on the System
NSFAS has seen a surge in demand, with close to 900,000 applications submitted for the upcoming academic year, one of the highest in the scheme’s history.
The data shows:
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Over 66% of applicants are women
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More than half of applicants are SASSA beneficiaries, underlining the program’s importance for families with limited financial means
While NSFAS continues to support students, Minister Manamela noted that challenges in the education system and wider economic pressures are putting strain on the funding model.
Short-Term Measures and Medium-Term Reforms
To tackle the growing demand, NSFAS has implemented short-term stabilisation measures, while planning medium-term reforms aimed at strengthening the system.
Among these is the expansion of the “missing middle” fund, designed to assist students who earn too much to qualify for full NSFAS support but still struggle to cover tuition and living costs.
SETAs Step Up to Support Additional Students
Beyond NSFAS, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) are playing an increasing role in funding.
During the 2025/26 cycle, SETAs are providing support to:
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Over 15,000 new bursary recipients
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Nearly 8,000 continuing students
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With a combined funding value approaching R2 billion
Minister Manamela stressed that diversifying funding sources not only reduces pressure on NSFAS but also strengthens the overall resilience of South Africa’s higher education funding system.
Students Advised to Confirm Details Ahead of Payments
NSFAS allowance payments are set to start in early February, coinciding with the beginning of the academic year.
Students are advised to check their application status and banking information to avoid delays in receiving funds.
NSFAS Remains Vital for Education Access
Despite financial and systemic pressures, Minister Manamela reiterated that NSFAS is essential in making higher education accessible for South Africa’s youth.
The combination of NSFAS support and SETA bursaries represents a multi-layered approach to funding, ensuring that both first-time and continuing students can pursue their studies without unnecessary financial barriers.
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