NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) has officially announced that February 2026 allowance payments will be released for eligible students across South Africa. This announcement brings much-needed reassurance to students enrolled at universities and TVET colleges who depend on NSFAS support at the start of the academic year.
When February 2026 Payments Will Be Made
According to NSFAS sources, the February 2026 allowance payments are expected to begin during the last week of February . This timing aligns with the commencement of student registrations and the start of academic activities. Early payments are intended to help students manage essential costs such as accommodation, transport, food, and registration expenses. Exact payment dates may vary depending on institutional processes and the completion of registration verification.
Allowance Amounts for Students
For February 2026, NSFAS allowances will be capped at a maximum of R5,200 per student. This amount is meant to cover key expenses including meals, learning materials, travel, and personal necessities. While allowance amounts may differ between university and TVET college students based on programme type and funding structure, all payments follow the official NSFAS funding guidelines.
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How NSFAS Allowances Are Paid
NSFAS disburses allowances either directly into students’ registered bank accounts or through the NSFAS-linked payment system. Students are strongly encouraged to ensure that their banking details on the My NSFAS portal are accurate and up to date. Incorrect or outdated information can result in payment delays or failures, which may disrupt the start of the academic term.
Registration Validation Is Required
Before any funds are released, higher education institutions must confirm and validate students’ registration details with NSFAS. This verification process ensures that allowances are paid only to students who are both registered and eligible for funding. Delays in registration or the submission of incomplete information by institutions can lead to postponed payments. Students are therefore advised to complete registration promptly and contact their financial aid offices if assistance is needed.
What Students Should Do to Avoid Payment Delays
To ensure smooth processing of February 2026 allowances, students should regularly monitor their My NSFAS accounts for updates, confirm that all required documents have been submitted, and keep personal details current. If any issues arise, students should immediately notify their institution’s financial aid office to avoid missing payments during this critical start-of-year period.
