The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded over 500,000 university students in 2024, surpassing its initial target of 417,938.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela described this as an overachievement, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
"Ensuring that students from working-class and poor backgrounds receive financial support remains a top priority. Despite budget constraints, we have exceeded our NSFAS targets, allowing more students than ever to benefit from free higher education."
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. However, its work has been marred by corruption concerns and administrative challenges.
The Department of Higher Education and Training believes a newly appointed board will improve allowance payments, student verification, and institutional accountability.
NSFAS has faced scrutiny following the dissolution of its previous board and placement under administration. Former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande dismissed the board due to funding challenges, inefficiencies, and corruption concerns, which led to delayed allowances, student frustration, and the alleged involvement of the former CEO in a corruption scandal.
Other issues included a lack of institutional capacity and the board’s failure to implement recommendations from the Werksmans Report, which exposed irregular service provider contracts that delayed student allowances for food and accommodation.
In April 2024, Nzimande appointed Freeman Nomvalo as NSFAS administrator after dissolving the board. His term ended with the appointment of a new NSFAS board in February 2025, in line with the administration period’s terms of reference. This was followed by the installation of Waseem Carrim as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
