The Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education has called on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to provide funding for all eligible students.
Committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie stressed that no deserving student should be left behind while also warning against funds being misallocated to ineligible applicants, an issue that has caused significant financial losses in the past.
NSFAS Improves Operations Under Administration
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials
NSFAS has faced operational challenges in recent years. However, since being placed under administration by former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, the scheme has seen improvements. The move led to the dissolution of its board, and Freeman Nomvalo was appointed administrator in April 2024.
Although initially expected to serve a two-year term, Nomvalo's administration period was cut short by newly appointed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane. However, after failing to appoint a new board, the government extended his tenure. Under his leadership, NSFAS has shown progress in streamlining funding processes.
Nearly One Million Students Apply for Funding
For the 2025 academic year, NSFAS received 890,599 bursary applications and 17,369 loan applications. Ensuring timely funding decisions will be critical in preventing delays that have previously left students unable to register or secure accommodation.
Letsie expressed confidence that NSFAS operations would be more efficient in 2025 due to improved internal processes. However, he emphasised the need for better communication between institutions and NSFAS to avoid disruptions.
Concerns Over Funding Availability
The surge in applications has raised concerns about funding capacity. Of the 969,000 applications, around 60% have been provisionally approved. These students will receive funding upon registration at a higher education institution. If additional funds are required, NSFAS will seek support from the Department of Higher Education and Treasury.
Nomvalo acknowledged that while NSFAS can support many students, institutional capacity remains a limiting factor. Universities have already indicated they cannot accommodate all applicants due to space constraints.
Support for Missing-Middle Students
For 2025, NSFAS will extend support to missing-middle students through its loan scheme. Over 19,000 applications have been received, and institutions will be informed of approved recipients.
Urgent Call for Document Submission
NSFAS is calling on to upload the documents requested by the scheme to finalise bursary applications. This 30-day period starts from the date the scheme makes the request.
Students who fail to upload the necessary documents within the given timeframe will have their 2025 NSFAS applications declared invalid.
Your application would be regarded invalid should the thirty days to upload supporting documents lapse. We urge all applicants who have not yet submitted their outstanding documents to do so urgently.
