NSFAS clears registration for over 70,000 eligible students

NSFAS clears registration for over 70,000 eligible students in a major boost for higher education in South Africa, allowing thousands of qualifying students to continue their studies without further delays. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced that more than 70,000 students who meet the funding criteria will now be permitted to register at universities and higher education institutions across the country.

The announcement was made by NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, who said extensive work had been done over the past three months to resolve operational challenges that had delayed funding decisions and registration processes.

The decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of eligible university students, many of whom had been uncertain about whether they would be able to continue their academic programmes this year.

NSFAS registration 2026 receives major breakthrough

The latest development marks a significant milestone for NSFAS registration 2026, with universities now receiving approval to register qualifying students whose funding had previously been delayed.

Professor Mathebula explained that the scheme had prioritised resolving administrative bottlenecks that affected registration processes across institutions, particularly Universities of Technology and UNISA.

Speaking after presenting a stabilisation plan to the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mathebula said the scheme had engaged extensively with stakeholders to understand and resolve the challenges facing students.

According to him, over 20 stakeholder groups—including universities, student representative councils (SRCs), labour unions and student organisations—were consulted as part of efforts to stabilise NSFAS operations.

Professor Hlengani Mathebula outlines recovery plan

Focus on restoring confidence

Professor Hlengani Mathebula, who became the third NSFAS administrator since 2018, said restoring trust in the financial aid scheme has been one of his biggest priorities.

He noted that his administration has worked continuously to improve efficiency while ensuring that deserving students are not disadvantaged because of administrative delays.

Mathebula said:

“In three months, I have worked around the clock to meet over 20 stakeholders. That is from students, unions, universities, SRCs, everybody that interacts with NSFAS.”

He added that understanding the concerns of every stakeholder was critical to developing practical solutions that benefit students and institutions alike.

NSFAS funding approved for thousands of students

One of the most important outcomes of the stabilisation process is that NSFAS funding approved for qualifying students will allow institutions to proceed with registrations that had been placed on hold.

According to Mathebula, approximately 72,000 students across Universities of Technology and the University of South Africa (UNISA) had been waiting for confirmation regarding their registration status.

These students include those requiring:

• Top-up funding
• Second registration approvals
• Continued financial support under existing government policy

Mathebula confirmed that qualifying students would receive funding in accordance with NSFAS eligibility requirements.

“Because they qualify in terms of NSFAS criteria and government policy, I’ve taken a decision that we will pay those students and we’ll allow those universities to register.”

Higher Education and Training welcomes stabilisation efforts

The Department of Higher Education and Training has been working closely with NSFAS to address longstanding administrative and governance concerns.

The stabilisation plan handed to the minister outlines several priorities, including:

• Improving payment systems
• Speeding up registration approvals
• Strengthening governance
• Enhancing communication with universities
• Ensuring students receive funding on time

Government has repeatedly stated that access to higher education remains a national priority and that no qualifying student should be denied an education because of financial constraints.

Eligible university students finally receive certainty

Students had waited months for answers

For many eligible university students, the announcement ends months of uncertainty.

Numerous students had already met academic requirements and qualified for funding but remained unable to complete registration due to pending NSFAS approvals.

The delays affected:

• Universities of Technology
• UNISA
• Students awaiting top-up funding
• Returning students requiring second registration approval

Student organisations have repeatedly raised concerns that registration delays could result in learners missing classes, examinations and academic milestones.

The latest decision is expected to prevent many of those disruptions.

Challenges facing NSFAS remain

Although the registration announcement has been welcomed, Professor Mathebula acknowledged that more work remains.

NSFAS has experienced several years of operational difficulties, including:

• Delayed student payments
• System failures
• Governance concerns
• Administrative backlogs
• Appeals processing delays

Since 2018, multiple administrators have been appointed to stabilise the institution while broader reforms continue.

Mathebula said the current administration remains committed to improving operational efficiency and ensuring students receive better service.

Universities can proceed with registrations

Higher education institutions are now expected to begin processing registrations for students whose funding has been confirmed.

Universities had been waiting for official approval from NSFAS before finalising registrations for thousands of students.

The latest directive means institutions can now continue enrolling qualifying students without waiting for further funding confirmation.

This is expected to ease pressure on university administration offices while allowing students to begin or continue their academic programmes without unnecessary delays.

Importance of NSFAS funding in South Africa

NSFAS remains one of South Africa’s most important higher education funding programmes.

Each year it provides financial assistance to hundreds of thousands of students studying at:

• Public universities
• TVET colleges
• Universities of Technology
• Distance learning institutions such as UNISA

Funding generally covers tuition, accommodation, learning materials and allowances for qualifying students from low-income households.

The scheme plays a critical role in improving access to tertiary education while supporting government’s broader education and economic development objectives.

What students should do next

Students who believe they qualify for NSFAS funding are encouraged to:

• Confirm their funding status with their institution.
• Monitor official NSFAS communication channels.
• Complete any outstanding registration requirements.
• Submit outstanding documentation where required.
• Contact their university’s financial aid office if further clarification is needed.

Institutions are expected to communicate directly with students regarding registration dates and funding confirmations.

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Looking ahead

The decision to allow more than 70,000 eligible university students to register represents one of the biggest interventions by NSFAS in recent years.

While operational reforms remain ongoing, the announcement offers immediate relief to thousands of students who had faced uncertainty about their academic futures.

As NSFAS registration 2026 continues, attention will now shift toward ensuring payments are processed efficiently, universities receive funding on time, and students can focus on completing their studies.

With NSFAS funding approved for qualifying students, the higher education sector hopes the latest stabilisation measures will restore confidence in the financial aid system while improving access to education for thousands of South Africans.