Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, has announced that applications for the 2025 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will open in September 2024. This vital initiative provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges, covering tuition, registration fees, and various allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Ensuring System Readiness
Minister Nkabane emphasized the ongoing efforts to prepare NSFAS systems for the upcoming application period. “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 stated. Given the high volume of applications received annually, efficiency within the NSFAS systems is crucial. Last financial year, NSFAS received around 2 million applications, including 419,447 from returning students and 297,809 from first-time applicants.
Addressing NSFAS Challenges
Acknowledging the challenges faced by NSFAS, Minister Nkabane reassured students and stakeholders of the commitment to improvement. The financial aid scheme has seen a significant increase in funding, disbursing nearly R50 billion this year compared to R21.4 million in 1991. However, issues such as data misalignment and application processing delays have caused frustration among students.
To address these challenges, the former Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, dissolved the NSFAS board, citing its inability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively. This led to the appointment of Freeman Nomvalo as an administrator to oversee governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for a 12-month period ending in March 2025. Nzimande highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning that non-payment of NSFAS allowances could put students at risk of hunger and possible eviction.
Commitment to Fighting Corruption
Minister Nkabane reaffirmed the department’s dedication to rooting out corruption within NSFAS, a crucial step following the board’s dissolution due to concerns about its effectiveness. These efforts aim to restore trust in the financial aid scheme and ensure that funds are allocated and disbursed efficiently to those in need.
Relief for the “Missing Middle”
In addition to supporting low-income students, the Department of Higher Education and Training announced a comprehensive funding model in 2023 to assist 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 do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries but still require financial assistance to pursue higher education.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 NSFAS application period approaches, the focus remains on system readiness, efficiency, and transparency. The commitment to continuous improvement and the introduction of initiatives for middle-income students highlight the department’s dedication to expanding access to higher education for all deserving learners in South Africa.