NSFAS Payment Dates 2026: Key Dates for Receiving Your Funds
Millions of students across South Africa depend on NSFAS allowances to continue their education. These funds are critical for covering daily needs such as tuition fees, transport, meals, and accommodation. In 2026, staying updated on the NSFAS Payment Schedule is essential for financial planning and academic success.
When Does NSFAS Pay Out?
NSFAS releases monthly allowance payments according to a predetermined schedule aligned with the academic calendar. These payments are typically made during the first 10 days of each month, although delays can occur based on registration issues or institutional submissions.
The payment structure follows a semester-based model, dividing the acaPaymentdemic year into two parts. Students may receive different amounts depending on their funding category and financial need.
NSFAS TVET College Payment Dates 2026
TVET college students are scheduled to receive their monthly allowances on the 25th of each month. It’s vital for colleges to submit registration data by the 28th of February 2026 to avoid any payment delays.
All payments are credited to the student’s MyNSFAS e-wallet, which acts as a centralized platform for managing allowance disbursements.
Important Reminder:
If students fail to receive their allowance on time, the funds are still debited to the NSFAS e-wallet, ensuring it reflects as pending and can be tracked later.
University NSFAS Payment Schedule
Here are the confirmed NSFAS allowance dates for major South African universities:
| University Name | Payment Commitment Date |
|---|---|
| University of the Western Cape | 23 February & 01 March |
| Rhodes University | 28 February 2026 |
| University of Free State | Continuing to settle5outstanding funds |
| University of Zululand | 01 March 2026 |
| University of Fort Hare | 26 February 2026 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 08 March 2026 |
| University of Pretoria | 04 March 2026 |
| University of Mpumalanga | 01 March 2026 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 01 March 2026 |
| University of Cape Town | 17–26 February & 01 March |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | 04 March 2026 |
| University of South Africa (UNISA) | 04 March 2026 |
| University of Stellenbosch | 29 February & 01 March |
| University of Johannesburg | 07 March 2026 |
| University of Venda | 26 February 2026 |
| Central University of Technology | 02 March 2026 |
| University of Limpopo | 26 February 2026 |
| North-West University | 01 March 2026 |
| Tshwane University of Technology | 04 March 2026 |
Outstanding NSFAS Payments
Students wondering when outstanding tuition fees will be paid should know that these payments depend on various factors, including:
Submission of registration data by institutions
Compliance with program rules
Regular student updates and academic progress
Staying in touch with your institution and checking your MyNSFAS profile regularly is crucial to avoid delays. Also check the procedure of Cancel NSFAS Application.
NSFAS First Payment In 2026
The first NSFAS payment for most institutions starts in February 2026. However, TVET colleges will issue the first payment by 06 March 2026, pending successful registration uploads by the colleges.
NSFAS Allowances
NSFAS provides monthly and yearly allowances to support students with essential needs such as meals, transport, personal care, accommodation, and study materials. These funds reduce financial stress so students can focus fully on their studies.
University Students
| Allowance Type | Amount (R) |
|---|---|
| Personal Care | 3,045 |
| Meal Allowance | 12,705 |
| Transport Allowance | 7,875 |
| Book/Study Materials | 5,460 |
| Accommodation | Up to 45,000 (R60,750 for catered) |
College Students
| Student Type | Yearly Allowance (R) | Monthly (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Area | 24,000 | 2,000 |
| Peri-Urban Area | 18,900 | 1,575 |
| Rural Area | 15,750 | 1,312 |
| Hostel Resident | 33,000 | 2,750 |
| Public Accommodation | 1,312 – 2,000 | — |
| Private Residence | 5,970 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is NSFAS Book Allowance?
For the year 2025, the NSFAS Book Allowance is set at R5,460. This allowance is intended to help students purchase textbooks and other essential study materials needed for their courses.
Can the NSFAS Payment Schedule change throughout the academic year?
Yes, the NSFAS Payment Schedule is subject to change based on various factors such as funding availability, academic progress, and changes in personal circumstances.
What types of payments are included in the NSFAS Payment Schedule?
The NSFAS Payment Schedule covers various types of financial aid, including tuition fees, accommodation allowances, meal allowances, and other stipends provided to eligible students.
Does Nsfas Pay For December?
In most cases, NSFAS does not issue allowances for December. This is because December is considered part of the academic break, during which students are not actively attending classes or incurring study-related expenses. The final monthly allowance is typically paid in November, marking the end of the academic year.
As an NSFAS allowance receiver, you must have to stay up to date about the NSFAS Payment Schedule. Because this schedule is helpful in payment receiving. The allowance payment date depends on the type of allowance and the institute in which you enrol. But mostly the allowances are paid at the start of the month. You have to receive your allowances on time otherwise they are debited to your NSFAS e-wallet.
