Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Minister of Higher Education and Training, has announced that applications for the 2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will open in September 2024.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
The minister confirmed that efforts are underway to ensure NSFAS systems are prepared for the 2025 application period.
"We are working overtime to ensure that NSFAS systems are ready for the commencement of the 2025 application season, which is scheduled to start in September this year," said Nkabane.
She highlighted the importance of efficiency within NSFAS systems as they gear up to receive thousands of applications.
This is critically important because, in this financial year, NSFAS received approximately 2 million applications for bursaries. Out of this volume, 419,447 were returning students while 297,809 were first-time entering students.
NSFAS Challenges
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges with the NSFAS but assured students and stakeholders of their commitment to improvement. NSFAS funding has seen a dramatic rise, disbursing nearly R50 billion this year compared to R21.4 million in 1991. However, the system is not without problems. Data misalignment and delays in processing applications have caused frustration for many.
Nkabane highlighted the appointment of an administrator following the dissolution of the board at NSFAS. Freeman Nomvalo is tasked with governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months ending in March 2025.
Efforts to Resolve Issues
Former Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board due to its inability to fulfill its responsibilities, leading to non-payment of allowances which put students at risk. This prompted urgent action from the minister to resolve these issues.
Minister Nkabane emphasized the department's commitment to rooting out corruption within NSFAS.
Relief for the "Missing Middle"
To expand access to higher education, the department announced a comprehensive funding model in 2023 for students from middle-income families, often referred to as the "missing middle." This R3.3 billion initiative will provide loans to over 31,000 students, easing the financial burden for those who don’t qualify for NSFAS bursaries.