The indefinite situation with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has put a hold on the registration of thousands of students in South Africa after the R5,200 monthly student allowance, which is the most vital amount for basic living expenses, was declared to be possibly delayed in the payment until the 2026 academic year starts. The delay has caused all the financial aid students in universities and TVET colleges to worry about their grants.
What the R5,200 NSFAS Allowance Covers
The monthly R5,200 allowance is sourced from NSFAS financial aid to the students and it is meant for the very basics of life like food, transport, and accommodation costs, as well as learning materials. For a large number of needy students, this allowance is their lifeline while they are in school, and thus the promptness of payments is crucial.
Reasons Behind the Payment Delays
NSFAS has pointed out that the delays are largely due to verification and administrative procedures. They need to verify for each student the registration particulars, academic eligibility, and the right banking information before releasing any funds. Delays often happen when educational institutions submit student registration data late or when errors in students’ records cause the payment process to slow down.
Impact on Students
Many students, especially those who rely entirely on NSFAS financial aid have suffered financially due to the late allowance payments. Students may not be able to buy food, pay for their fare to school, or even acquire textbooks that are required for their courses due to lack of money. This uncertainty can sometimes lead to a reduced number of students coming, a drop in attention given by students, and even worse, a drop in overall academic performance.
What Students Should Do Now
Students should visit their MyNSFAS portal regularly to check for any updates regarding their payments and to verify that their personal, banking, and academic details are correct. Confirming with the institution’s financial aid office that they have been registered can also help them to avoid any further wait. The quicker they fix any issues, the better their chances are of getting their payments.
NSFAS Response and Next Steps
NSFAS has promised students that as soon as all verification checks are completed, the payments will be made. The agency is working with universities to speed up data submissions and clear backlogs. Students are encouraged to be patient but also to keep themselves informed through the official NSFAS communication lines.
Also Read: SASSA February 2026 Payment Dates: Complete Grant Schedule And Latest Updates