NSFAS 2026: Guide to Funding

Forget the confusing government jargon. Here is exactly how to get your funding approved, check your status, and what to do when the system crashes.

The 2026 Funding Landscape

If you are applying for NSFAS in 2026, things have changed. The Department of Higher Education (DHET) has tightened the screws on "double dipping."

In the past, students could sometimes sneak through the system while their parents earned above the R350,000 threshold. Those days are over. The new system links directly to SARS and Home Affairs in real-time.

My Advice: If you are currently receiving the SRD R370 Grant, you are automatically financially eligible for NSFAS. However, do not assume it's automatic. You must still apply on the myNSFAS portal. The systems talk to each other, but they don't do the work for you.

Decoding Your Status

The myNSFAS portal is famous for vague status updates. Here is what they actually mean in plain English:

Status Code	What it Actually Means	Action Required
Validation	Checking your ID with Home Affairs.	Wait 3-5 Days.
Provisionally Funded	Good news! You qualify for money, BUT NSFAS is waiting for your university to confirm you registered.	Register at your campus ASAP.
Awaiting Evaluation	Your documents are in a queue.	Check for "missing doc" alerts daily.
Funded	Money is allocated. Your wallet will be active soon.	Relax.

The 2026 Allowances (The Money)

For university students, the allowance structure is strictly tiered. Do not budget on "rumors"—here are the confirmed stats:

Living Allowance

R16,500 / year

Paid monthly over 10 months.

Learning Materials

R5,460 / year

For laptops and books.

Accommodation: Res vs. Private

Finding a place to stay is arguably more stressful than applying for the funding itself. In 2026, NSFAS strictly enforces the Accommodation Cap. This means they will only pay up to a certain amount per year (estimated around R50,000 - R60,000 depending on your metro area).

You have two choices, and they work very differently:

On-Campus Res

Living inside the university gates.

Payment: Automatic. NSFAS pays the uni directly.
Pros: No transport costs, safe, Wi-Fi included.
Cons: strict rules, extremely long waiting lists.

Most Common

Private Accredited

Living in a commune or flat nearby.

Payment: Direct to Landlord (via Fintech partners).
Pros: More freedom, cooking your own food.
Cons: You MUST sign a valid lease.

The "Backroom"

Do not sign a lease for a backroom or apartment that is not NSFAS Accredited.

If the landlord is not on the official list, NSFAS will reject your accommodation application. You will be stuck paying rent from your own pocket (or your food allowance). Always ask the landlord for their 2026 Accreditation Certificate before you move in.

What happens if my rent is higher than the cap?

If the NSFAS cap is R50,000/year, but you choose a luxury apartment that costs R65,000/year, you are responsible for the difference (Top-up). The landlord will bill you or your parents for that extra R15,000. Be careful when choosing where to live!

The "Missing Consent Form"

In 2024 and 2025, thousands of students were rejected because they didn't upload the Consent Form. This form gives NSFAS permission to check your parents' income with SARS.

The Fix: Download the form immediately after you create your account. Do not wait. If you don't upload this signed PDF, your application sits in "Awaiting Evaluation" forever.

Common Questions

Can I apply if I have a job?

Yes, as long as your combined household income is below R350k per year. If you have a part-time job, you are likely still safe.

I forgot myNSFAS password, what now?

You must have access to the phone number you registered with. If you lost that SIM card, you are in for a long wait at the call center. Always keep your NSFAS SIM card active!