The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has come under fire for unpaid allowances dating back to the 2023 academic year. The scheme's explanation why students have not been paid has now been revealed.
NSFAS offers comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
Part of the comprehensive funding provided by NSFAS includes money for tuition and registration fees. Students also receive several allowances from NSFAS.
NSFAS allowances are dependent on the circumstances of the student and their living arrangement. Students who require accommodation receive an accommodation allowance whereas students who live close to their institution receive a transport allowance.
Students may also receive a meal allowance if they live in an accommodation where meals are provided.
Several students funded by NSFAS expressed concern related to unpaid allowances from the 2023 academic year.
NSFAS spokesperson, Ismael Mnisi, explained that the scheme is working with educational institutions to obtain updated student information. This process was initiated in October 2023 to verify which allowances were rightfully paid to students.
The reconciliation process allows NSFAS to identify changes in a student's circumstances that may impact their NSFAS allowances. These changes could include switching courses, or changes to living arrangements.
For instance, a student who moves on-campus may no longer require a transport allowance but would be entitled to an accommodation allowance.
Spokesperson for NSFAS, Ishmael Mnisi highlighted the importance of timely data updates from institutions. Delays in receiving this information can lead to discrepancies and ultimately, delays in student payments.
When we do our reconciliation we pick up abnormalities that there has been a change in this student data. This allows NSFAS to rectify any issues with incorrect allowances or course funding.
NSFAS emphasised that the onus of providing accurate and up-to-date student information lies with the educational institutions.
All we do is take that information and process it through our systems and if it tallies, then we make the payment for that student.
NSFAS has encouraged students facing challenges to contact their institutions to verify if their information was sent to NSFAS and ensure the information that was sent is correct.