Deputy Minister engages NSFAS over student funding delays and allowance concerns

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has met with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, to address student concerns over funding delays, outstanding GAP or vetting process investigations, allowance payments and the processing of appeals.

The meeting, held in Cape Town this week, followed complaints received through the Deputy Minister's Help Desk and issues raised during Cassim's recent visit to the University of South Africa (Unisa), where students reported delays in receiving NSFAS allowances.

Among immediate outcome of the engagement include the deployment of NSFAS teams to the Central University of Technology to assist students in non-accredited accommodation who have experienced delays in receiving their allowances.

Over 2 000 investigations completed

Cassim raised concerns over delays in GAP investigations, noting that prolonged waiting periods have left many students without funding for several months.

While acknowledging the importance of the verification process to confirm student registration, enrolment, accommodation and academic eligibility, and to prevent fraud, he said the lengthy turnaround times affect students' ability to continue their studies.

NSFAS reported that it is awaiting academic information from higher education institutions for 4 138 students whose GAP investigations remain outstanding.

The Deputy Minister requested a breakdown of affected students by institution and instructed the department's university branch to assist NSFAS in obtaining the required information to speed up the process.

NSFAS reported that it has completed 2 361 GAP investigations, restoring funding for students, from a caseload of more than 10 000.

The scheme also committed to:
• Finalising 1 515 outstanding Unisa GAP cases by 17 July 2026;
• Urgently resolving GAP cases affecting more than 400 Nelson Mandela University students enrolled in Extended Programmes; and
• Conducting a visit to Nelson Mandela University to engage directly on funding-related issues.

Cassim also expressed concern that NSFAS had not yet provided certainty on funding for students due to register for Unisa's second semester, which begins next week.

NSFAS said it is finalising its funding submission to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training in light of funding constraints.

“I will continue engaging the scheme to ensure the matter is resolved without further delay,” Cassim said.

Allowance payments and appeals

The Deputy Minister questioned NSFAS's monthly allowance payment schedule, noting that transfers to institutions are generally made about a week after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process student payments.

He appealed to NSFAS to review the payment schedule for Unisa's R316 personal care allowance to ensure students receive payments on time. NSFAS acknowledged the concern and undertook to provide feedback.

Cassim also raised concerns about delays in processing student appeals.

According to NSFAS, appeals are now handled directly by the scheme after the appeals tribunal was discontinued, with measures being implemented to improve turnaround times. This follows the appointment of the Administrator.

The Deputy Minister and the NSFAS Administrator also discussed broader policy issues, including concerns over the adequacy of the R316 personal care allowance and the value and structure of other student allowances.

“The ongoing review of NSFAS policies, together with the anticipated review of the NSFAS Act, provides an opportunity to address these issues,” Cassim said.

Improving student support

During his visit, Cassim toured the NSFAS call centre, where he met staff and discussed delays in resolving student queries.

"It is important that we improve our response rate to student queries at all times. My office will ensure that the Deputy Minister's Help Desk works closely with NSFAS so that we can collaborate more effectively to assist students," he said.

He added that his office remains available to support NSFAS in improving service delivery and encouraged the Administrator to continue supporting officials committed to strengthening the institution.

NSFAS also assured the Deputy Minister that there are no outstanding allowance payments, including for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students.

Cassim said individual cases received through the Deputy Minister's Help Desk would be referred directly to NSFAS for resolution.