NSFAS Payment Dates: Student Check 2026 Details
For South African students relying on NSFAS, staying updated with the 2026 payment schedule is essential. NSFAS funding covers tuition, accommodation, books, and living costs, ensuring that students can focus on their studies without financial stress. This guide provides all the updated 2026 information on payment cycles, allowance amounts, registration deadlines, and solutions for payment issues.
Key Terms in NSFAS 2026 Payment Schedule
Before exploring the updated payment calendar, here’s what each term means in 2026:
- Instalment Number: The sequence of NSFAS payments for the year (e.g., Instalment 3 = third payment).
- Exclusions Cut-Off: The last date for your institution to submit registration and funding data. Missing this may delay your payment.
- Payment Date: The day NSFAS transfers your allowance if all details are uploaded correctly.
- Academic Cycle: Indicates the purpose of the payment, such as tuition, books, accommodation, or living allowances.
Understanding these terms helps you track payments and avoid delays.
Also read: Monitor Your NSFAS Application Status Check Online
NSFAS Payment Schedule for 2026
NSFAS continues to pay allowances in cycles based on institutional data uploads. Here is the full updated schedule for 2026:
| Instalment | Payment Date | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Upfront | Mid-Jan 2026 | Accommodation, Books, Tuition |
| 2 – Upfront | Mid-Mar 2026 | Accommodation, Books, Tuition |
| 3 | 31 Mar 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 4 | 30 Apr 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 5 | 30 May 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 6 | 30 Jun 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 7 | 31 Jul 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 8 | 29 Aug 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 9 | 30 Sep 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 10 | 31 Oct 2026 | Annual & Semester |
| 11 | 28 Nov 2026 | Annual & Semester |
Important Notes for 2026:
- Payments will only occur if institutions upload correct registration details.
- Late submissions may push your payment to the next cycle.
- Always check your myNSFAS account for the latest payment status.
NSFAS Allowance Amounts for University Students 2026
For 2026, university allowances cover various needs depending on location, accommodation type, and disability status:
- Accommodation: Up to R71,000 (Metro, catered)
- Books: R5,800–R6,300 per year
- Living Allowance: R17,500–R21,000 annually (paid monthly)
- Personal Care: R3,200 per year
- Assistive Devices: R53,000–R55,000 for students with disabilities
- Travel Allowance: R8,300 for students living at home and traveling ≤40 km
Key Points:
- Book allowance is a one-time annual payment.
- Travel allowance is only for non-residential students.
- Accommodation depends on institution location and type.
NSFAS Allowance Amounts for TVET College Students 2026
TVET students also benefit from NSFAS allowances, slightly different from universities:
| Type | Accommodation | Living Allowance | Assistive Device | Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catered – Disability (Metro) | R71,000 | R3,200 | R55,000 | – |
| Catered – Disability (Non-Metro) | R61,500 | R3,200 | R55,000 | – |
| Non-Catered – Disability (Metro) | R53,000 | R21,000 | R55,000 | – |
| Non-Catered – Disability (Non-Metro) | R43,500 | R21,000 | R55,000 | – |
| Non-Disability (Metro) | R53,000 | R17,500 | – | R8,300 |
| Non-Disability (Non-Metro) | R43,500 | R17,500 | – | R8,300 |
Notes for 2026:
- Students can receive either travel or accommodation allowances, not both.
- Personal care allowance is paid once a year.
- Colleges must submit accurate registration data for payments.
NSFAS Registration and Upload Deadlines 2026
To avoid payment delays, institutions must submit student data before cut-off dates. Missing these affects your allowances.
2026 Cut-Off Dates:
- Instalment 1 – 10 Jan
- Instalment 2 – 05 Mar
- Instalment 3 – 14 Mar
- Instalment 4 – 16 Apr
- Instalment 5 – 15 May
- Instalment 6 – 13 Jun
- Instalment 7 – 15 Jul
- Instalment 8 – 15 Aug
- Instalment 9 – 15 Sep
- Instalment 10 – 15 Oct
- Instalment 11 – 14 Nov
Tips:
- Confirm full registration with your institution.
- Ensure all banking details are correct in myNSFAS.
- Update course, year of study, and accommodation type.
Also read: How to Check Your NSFAS Status via WhatsApp
How to Handle NSFAS Payment Issues
Even with correct data, payments may sometimes be delayed. Here’s how to act:
Steps to Take:
- Verify registration and upload status with your institution.
- Check bank account and personal details in myNSFAS.
- Ensure you signed the NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA).
Contact NSFAS:
- Toll-Free: 0800 067 327 (Weekdays 8am–5pm)
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Portal: my.nsfas.org.za
- Social Media: Facebook @NSFAS | X @myNSFAS
- Walk-In: The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street, Cape Town
Provide When Contacting:
- Full name and ID
- myNSFAS username/email
- Short explanation of the problem
- Proof of registration
- Payment screenshots if available
Conclusion
Staying updated with NSFAS payment dates and allowances for 2026 is vital for financial planning as a student. Ensure your institution uploads correct registration data, verify your details in myNSFAS, and follow up promptly on any issues. With careful planning, you can focus on your studies and make the most of your NSFAS funding in 2026.
