The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made notable progress in addressing the backlog of student appeals, though challenges persist as the academic year comes to a close.
NSFAS provides comprehensive rsaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, along with allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Thousands of students apply for NSFAS funding each year, but not all applicants are approved. Those who are declined may submit a NSFAS appeal.
Responding to a parliamentary question from EFF MP Shikwambana, Minister of Higher Education Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane reported that 84% of the 103,071 appeals submitted have been resolved.
However, the Minister acknowledged that over 16,000 appeals are still pending. The Minister assured that NSFAS is working to expedite these cases so students can continue their studies without further disruption.
We are pleased with the progress made, but recognise the urgency for the students awaiting their appeal outcomes.
NSFAS disclosed that more than 2,400 appeals require review by an appeal worker before being sent to a team leader, who must finalize the decisions on 1,338 of those appeals. Additionally, 2,375 appeals have been escalated to the ICT department for further processing.
Among the pending appeals, 2,375 students claim they passed their 2023 courses and are therefore eligible for continued funding. These results must be verified by universities and TVET colleges. Furthermore, 1,375 students still need to upload supporting documents to complete their appeal applications.
NSFAS has urged students to remain patient and submit all required documents promptly. The agency also called on institutions to expedite their verification processes to prevent further delays.