By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – As the Class of 2025 across South Africa anxiously awaits the release of matric examination results, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed that all funding decisions for the 2026 academic year have been finalized.
In a media statement issued on Friday, 2 January 2026, NSFAS said it had completed the processing of all 2026 funding applications before the start of the academic year, in line with its commitment to conclude assessments by 31 December 2025.
The scheme revealed that it received 893,847 applications from first-time entering students. Of these, 609,403 applicants qualified for financial aid, while 49,538 were rejected.
A further 218,043 applications remain incomplete due to outstanding documentation, and 16,863 were withdrawn or cancelled.
NSFAS explained that although many first-time applicants meet the financial eligibility criteria, funding confirmation is still dependent on proof of acceptance from a recognized institution of higher learning. In most cases, this confirmation can only be finalized once matric results are released.
Applications marked as “incomplete”, the scheme said, are those requiring additional documentation such as parental consent forms, complete parent or guardian details, or a correctly completed and signed NSFAS Declaration Form.
Affected applicants have been notified and given 30 days from the date of notification to submit the required documents. Failure to do so will result in applications being deemed unsuccessful.
For continuing students, NSFAS reported that 416,688 university students have met the academic progression requirements and will continue receiving funding in 2026.
However, 129,264 students did not meet the criteria and will not be funded. These figures currently exclude TVET college students, whose academic results are expected to be released on 13 January 2026.
The scheme also confirmed that the appeals process for 2026 is now open. Both first-time applicants and continuing students whose applications were rejected may submit appeals within a strict 30-day window, accompanied by all required supporting documentation. NSFAS said the appeals system has been streamlined to ensure quicker processing.
In addition, NSFAS indicated that it has settled a significant number of outstanding claims owed to higher education institutions and accommodation providers as part of its 2025 mop-up payments.
Where underpayments persist, the scheme said it is engaging with accommodation providers to resolve outstanding invoices through established channels.
Addressing the 2025 matric cohort, NSFAS acknowledged the anxiety surrounding the release of examination results and wished learners well as they await their outcomes.
The scheme reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all qualifying students in accessing higher education and training opportunities.
As matric learners count down to results day, the completion of NSFAS funding decisions underscores the crucial link between academic performance, institutional acceptance and access to financial support for studies in 2026.
