NSFAS 2025 Applications To Open
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane has confirmed that 2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) applications 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.
NSFAS Application 2025 Opening Date
The minister said work is currently underway to ensure NSFAS systems are ready for the 2025 NSFAS application opening date in September.
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.
She stressed the importance of efficiency within the NSFAS systems as they gear up to receive thousands of funding applications.
This is critically important because, in this financial year, NSFAS received approximately 2 million applications for a bursary. Out of this volume, 419 447 were returning students while 297 809 were first-time entering students
NSFAS Challenges For 202
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.
As part of efforts to resolve NSFAS challenges, Former Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board citing its inability to ensure the financial aid scheme implemented its responsibilities. At the time, Nzimande warned that the non-payment of NSFAS allowances put students at risk of hunger and possible eviction. This has prompted urgent action from the minister.
Minister Nkabane emphasised the department's commitment to rooting out corruption within NSFAS. These efforts come after the recent dissolution of the NSFAS board due to concerns about its effectiveness.
Relief for the "Missing Middle" From NSFAS in 2025
In a move to expand access to higher education, the department also 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.
