NSFAS payment dates 2026: full allowance schedule

The NSFAS payment dates 2026 follow a phased schedule that started with upfront disbursements at the beginning of the academic year and continues with monthly allowance cycles. Knowing the dates helps students budget for rent, transport and food without scrambling each month.

According to NSFAS, an upfront payment was issued on 1 February 2026, covering the full book allowance and one month of meal, accommodation, personal care and travel allowances. Universities were responsible for distributing this to eligible students.

University allowance cycle

From April 2026 onward, university allowances generally pay around the start of each month. UNISA students receive their allowance on the 29th of each month from April. Other institutions, such as UKZN, publish their own cycle dates; for 2026, UKZN’s cycles include 2 March, 7 April, 4 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 31 August, 5 October and a final cycle on 2 November 2026.

TVET allowance dates

For TVET colleges, NSFAS confirmed the first allowance disbursement on 13 February 2026, with a second on 27 February 2026, after consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training. TVET allowances are paid directly into students’ personal bank accounts, not through the college.

Why payments get delayed

Most delays trace back to two issues: institutions that have not uploaded valid registration data, and students whose banking details on the myNSFAS portal are incorrect or unverified. Check the NSFAS status check 2026 guide if your payment is missing, and read our walkthrough on how to update NSFAS banking details.

Source: SAnews, South African Government.