The Parliamentary Committee on High Education has called for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to ensure all qualifying students receive NSFAS funding.
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.
Portfolio Committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie says NSFAS must do its due diligence to ensure no qualifying student is left behind.
It is also important that the scheme does not fund students who do not meet the eligibility criteria as this has led to the loss of millions in the past.
Letsie acknowledged that while NSFAS has experienced challenges which undermined their talk of funding financially vulnerable students, the scheme’s operations have improved since being placed under administration.
NSFAS was placed under administration by former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande following the dissolution of the NSFAS board. Freeman Nomvalo was subsequently appointed as NSFAS administrator in April 2024.
While Nomvalo was initially set to serve as the scheme's administrator for two years, Newly Appointed Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced that the administration period would be cut short. However, after failing to appoint a new NSFAS board, Nomvalo’s term was extended.
Since the administration and the Minister came in, NSFAS has really been doing well so we are very confident that they will do it.
NSFAS revealed they received 890 599 bursary applications and 17 369 loan applications for the 2025 academic year. Prompt funding decisions by NSFAS could ensure that qualifying students receive funding as they commence their studies for the 2025 academic year.
However, delayed funding decisions in recent years have left students unable to register for their courses and secure accommodation.
NSFAS has urged students to upload required documents to ensure they receive funding decisions.
Letsie is confident that in 2025 funding decisions won’t be delayed due to a cultural shift at the institution. However, time will tell if this is the case.
We have informed NSFAS that there is no excuse for returning students not to be funded on time.
Letsie stressed the importance of communication and collaboration between institutions and NSFAS to reduce delays.