By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) revealed that it has received a record 893,847 applications from first-time entering students for the upcoming academic year.
Addressing the media, acting NSFAS board chairperson Dr 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.
He 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 A further 218,043 applications were marked incomplete due to missing documentation, and 16,863 applications were withdrawn or cancelled.
Maluleke 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.
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,” he said.
Applicants have 30 days from the date of notification to submit all outstanding documents, failing which their applications will be deemed unsuccessful.
Maluleke said the scheme’s board had established key oversight committees and was working with management to address past weaknesses.
This included matters now under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
He stated that much work remained to strengthen ethics, fill vacant posts, and ensure students were supported through smoother funding and accommodation processes.
“We are in the process of ensuring that we have transitional arrangements in place to avoid what happened last year where students were stranded and frustrated… our comprehensive programme for 2026 is to ensure that everything is seamless in terms of registration and support for our students.”
Another major hurdle in the previous academic year was the issue of non-payment or late payments to landlords.
According to Maluleke, accommodation allowances for students in private accommodation would be paid directly to accredited providers.
“This enhancement will strengthen financial management and improve the reconciliation of funds disbursed to accommodation providers and students, eliminating the need for third-party payment processing and ensuring greater efficiency and accountability,” said Maluleke.
NSFAS has also communicated that the appeals window will open immediately when application outcomes are communicated, with the final deadline for appeals set for 14 January 2026. Outcomes will be communicated by 16 February 2026.