How Much Is NSFAS First Payment 2026
How Much Is NSFAS First Payment 2026
How Much Can You Expect from NSFAS First Payment in 2026:
If you are an eligible student planning to study at a public university or TVET college in 2026, you may be wondering how much your NSFAS first payment will be. NSFAS offers financial assistance to students from families earning R350,000 or less, covering essential expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and study materials. Knowing the expected amount of your first payment can help you plan your finances for the year ahead.
In 2026, the first NSFAS payment usually occurs in February or March, and the amount you will receive depends on your institution, course of study, and approved allowances. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) sets guidelines for the payment amounts, which include specific allocations for accommodation, living allowances, and transport.
For instance, if you live up to 40 km from your institution, you may receive R7,500 per annum for transport if you are attending a university, or R7,000 per annum if you are attending a TVET college. These payments help cover your basic living and travel costs, allowing you to focus on your studies without financial stress. This guide will break down how much you can expect to receive as your first NSFAS payment in 2026, including all allowances and what to do if you encounter any payment issues.
Read: How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation?
NSFAS Payment Dates For 2026
The NSFAS payment dates indicate when approved funds are distributed to eligible students. These payments follow a structured schedule to ensure timely financial support. Below is the NSFAS payment timeline for 2026:
First Semester NSFAS Payment Dates:
- Cycle 1 – All Campuses: 26 February 2026
- Cycle 2 – All Campuses: 06 March 2026
- Cycle 3 – All Campuses: 22 April 2026
- Cycle 4 – All Campuses: 20 May 2026
- Cycle 5 – All Campuses: 17 June 2026
Second Semester NSFAS Payment Dates:
- Cycle 6 – Medical School: 01 July 2026
- Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses: 08 July 2026
- Cycle 7 – All Campuses: 05 August 2026
- Cycle 8 – All Campuses: 02 September 2026
- Cycle 9 – All Campuses: 07 October 2026
- Cycle 10 – Final Payment for 2025: 04 November 2026
How Much Is NSFAS First Payment 2026
The amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials must comply with the latest DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) guidelines. Below are the approved allowances for both university and TVET students:
University Allowances:
- Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university. Private accommodation costs should not exceed the amount charged for university residence.
- Transport: R7,500 per annum for students living up to 40 km from the institution.
- Living Allowance: R15,000 per annum.
- Book Allowance: R5,200 per annum.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per annum for students residing in catered residences.
TVET Allowances:
- Accommodation in Urban Areas: R24,000 per annum.
- Accommodation in Peri-Urban Areas: R18,900 per annum.
- Accommodation in Rural Areas: R15,750 per annum.
- Transport: R7,350 per annum for students living up to 40 km from the institution.
- Transport (Other Areas): R7,000 per annum.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per annum.
These allowances are designed to cover essential living costs and study materials, providing financial support to students pursuing higher education. Be sure to check for any updates regarding your specific funding allocation.
How to Check If You Have Received Your NSFAS First Payment
Once NSFAS has processed your payment, you can check your payment status by:
Logging into MyNSFAS:
- The official platform for checking your NSFAS application status, including your payment.
SMS Notification:
- NSFAS will send an SMS confirming when your funds have been disbursed.
Email Notification:
- You will receive an email outlining the details of your payment and any other important information.
Financial Aid Office:
- Your institution’s financial aid office can also confirm when funds have been received and applied to your account.
What Happens If You Do Not Receive Your First Payment
If you have not received your first NSFAS payment, there could be several reasons:
Registration Issues:
- Ensure that your registration at the institution is complete and that there are no holds or outstanding documents.
Payment Processing Delays:
- Sometimes payments are delayed due to processing or verification issues.
Eligibility Problems:
- Check if your funding status has been updated to ensure there are no issues with your eligibility.
Read Also: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance Per Year?
Contact Details Of Nsfas
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Physical Address:
- The Halyard Building, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street,
- Cape Town City Centre, 8001,
- South Africa
The first NSFAS payment in 2026 is an essential part of your financial support, helping you cover tuition, accommodation, transport, and living expenses. Knowing how much you can expect to receive, as well as the payment schedule, ensures that you can effectively manage your finances and focus on your studies. Visit the Official Website For Nsfas For More Details.