The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a record number of applications for the 2026 academic year, with close to 900 000 submissions received so far.
More than 66% of the applications were submitted by women, highlighting continued strong female participation in South Africa’s higher education system.
NSFAS applications surge in 2026
NSFAS Administrator Mugwena Maluleke briefed the media on Monday, 5 January, on the scheme’s readiness for the new academic year.
According to East Coast Radio, he said that more than half of all applications came from students who are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), underscoring the scheme’s role in supporting students from low-income households.
According to Maluleke:
- Around 600 000 applications have already been approved
- Just over 200 000 applications are still under review
- 21 843 applications remain incomplete due to outstanding documents
- 16 862 applications have been cancelled
- 49 538 applications have been rejected
NSFAS has urged students with incomplete applications to submit the required documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Maluleke confirmed that NSFAS allowance payments are expected to begin in early February, in line with the start of the 2026 academic year.
