Students at the Durban University of Technology are experiencing growing financial pressure after delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme allowance payments disrupted the start of the 2026 academic year.
For many students who rely entirely on NSFAS living allowances to survive, the delayed payments have created serious challenges. Without access to funds for food, transport, accommodation, and academic materials, students say their ability to focus on their studies is being severely affected.
About the Durban University of Technology
The Durban University of Technology is one of South Africa’s leading universities of technology, with campuses across Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It serves thousands of students, many of whom depend on financial aid to access higher education.
Like many institutions across the country, DUT works closely with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to support students from low-income households.
Allowance Delays Stretch Into Third Week of Classes
Classes at DUT officially began on 9 February. However, almost three weeks into the academic term, many NSFAS-funded students had not received their expected living allowances.
According to affected students, allowances are typically paid during the second week after returning to campus. This year, that timeline was not met.
One third-year student in the Faculty of Art and Design, who requested anonymity, explained that she had not received her allowance despite the semester already being underway. She said the delay left her unable to buy required materials for coursework.
Without these materials, she cannot complete assignments or participate fully in her modules. She also needs transport money because she attends two different campuses that are far apart. Walking between them is not a safe option due to the areas she must pass through in Durban.
Students Struggle With Food and Accommodation
The financial impact goes beyond academic materials.
Students report struggling to secure basic necessities such as food and accommodation. While some families try to assist where possible, support is often inconsistent and limited.
Another third-year student, who is provisionally funded by NSFAS, said she initially had to stay home because she did not have money to return to residence. When she eventually travelled back to campus, she had only R200 from her unemployed father and survived on two meals a day.
She described the beginning of the academic year as frustrating and stressful, particularly because February is already a financially demanding month for many households.
Instead of focusing on lectures and coursework, she found herself worrying about survival.
Administrative Challenges and New Systems
Students believe the delays may be linked to administrative issues at the university, particularly the introduction of a new registration and payment system.
One student said she had to resubmit her banking details after discovering they had been erased from her student portal, despite initially being confirmed as eligible for funding.
Others pointed out that NSFAS had already announced that funds had been disbursed to universities earlier in February. Acting CEO Waseem Carrim confirmed that R3.6 billion had been released to institutions for allowance payments at the beginning of the month.
Students argue that the university should have ensured that banking details were verified and updated on the new system before the academic year began.
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Protests and Academic Disruptions
The situation has also led to disruptions on campus.
The Art and Design student said that protests have prevented a full return to campus, resulting in ineffective online classes. Many modules require practical, hands-on participation, which cannot easily be replaced by remote learning.
This adds further academic pressure on students who are already dealing with financial uncertainty.
DUT Responds to Concerns
In response to the growing concerns, DUT confirmed that two NSFAS allowance payments were made between 9 February and 13 February. The university stated that a further payment was expected by 21 February.
According to DUT, some students were not paid due to incomplete or unverifiable banking details. The institution assured students that weekly payments would continue until the end of February and that March living allowances are expected by 7 March.
The university also acknowledged the high volume of student queries. Its Financial Aid Unit is reportedly working with limited staff and aims to respond within 72 hours. However, DUT noted that duplicate emails are contributing to inbox congestion and response delays.
While some students reported receiving their allowances late on Friday afternoon, others are still waiting for funds to reflect in their accounts.
How to Check NSFAS Application Status for 2026
Follow these simple steps to check your NSFAS 2026 application status:
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS Student Portal
Go to the official NSFAS website: https://my.nsfas.org.za/
Step 2: Log In to Your myNSFAS Account
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your password
- Click Login
If you forgot your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
Step 3: View Your Application Status
Once logged in:
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”
- Your 2026 NSFAS application status will be displayed on the dashboard
Conclusion
The delay in NSFAS allowance payments at the Durban University of Technology has placed significant strain on students who depend on this support for basic living expenses. From food insecurity to transport challenges and academic disruptions, the impact has been widespread.
Although DUT has begun processing payments and promised continued disbursements, the situation highlights the vulnerability of students who rely on financial aid.
For many, timely allowance payments are not simply administrative processes. They are essential for survival and academic success. As the academic year continues, students hope for stability and improved coordination between institutions and funding bodies to prevent similar crises in the future.
