How Many Months Is NSFAS For In 2026

How Many Months Is NSFAS For In 2026

NSFAS 2026: Monthly Disbursements and Funding Period:

Wondering how many months NSFAS funds your studies in 2026? Understanding the length of NSFAS disbursements is essential for planning your academic year and managing living expenses effectively. In 2026, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to align its funding cycle with the South African academic calendar, offering monthly allowances over 10 months, spanning February through November. These regular payments support key costs like tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, transport, and living essentials, helping students focus on learning without financial stress.

Each year, NSFAS pays bursaries in 10 installments during this period, usually in the first week of each month. Specifically, in 2026, the cycle remains consistent: funds are not paid in December or January, covering the core academic months only. Aligning with this funding structure aids universities and TVET colleges in synchronizing registration, tuition, and allowance schedules with the financial support students receive.

Knowing that NSFAS provides a full 10‑month funding window empowers learners to budget smartly, predicting when allowances arrive and planning around periods without disbursements. Also, for programs extending beyond the standard academic duration, NSFAS can offer extra support under policies like the N+1 or N+2 rules, contingent on academic standing

If you are gearing up for the 2026 academic year, rest assured, NSFAS will fund you over 10 months, from February to November, ensuring consistent financial backing throughout your studies and enabling you to concentrate on what truly matters: your education.

READ ALSO: When Can I Apply For NSFAS 2025-2026

How Many Months Is NSFAS For In 2026

NSFAS provides funding for 10 months during the standard academic year in 2026, aligning with the February to November schedule. Below is a breakdown:

• Monthly living and transport allowances are disbursed in 10 installments, usually during the first week of each month, within that period
• Tuition, registration, accommodation, and book allowances are generally paid directly to the institution at the start of the academic year or semester

Why Does NSFAS only Pay For 10 months (not 12)

NSFAS aligns its funding cycle with South Africa’s academic calendar:

• Funding does not cover December and January, as these are non-academic months.
• The 10-month span reflects the university/TVET college terms from February through November

NSFAS Payment Dates For 2026

NSFAS disburses payments using the payment schedule provided below;

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date 2026:

• 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 Monday 17 June 2026

2026 Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

• 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 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2025) 04 November 2026

What Does NSFAS Cover For Students In 2026-2026

Students on the NSFAS Scheme enjoy the following allowance;

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:

• Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET College STUDENTS:

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

READ ALSO: How Is NSFAS Application 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

• Website: www.nsfas.org.za
  Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• South African students: 0860 067 327
• International students: +27 21 763 3232
• Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
• Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

NSFAS will provide funding for a total of 10 months in the 2026 academic year, typically from February to November. This 10-month payment cycle aligns with the South African university and TVET college calendars, ensuring students receive consistent financial support throughout the main academic year. Whether it is for meals, accommodation, transport, or study materials, NSFAS ensures that eligible students are covered where it matters most. For details, click HERE