NSFAS commits to resolving outstanding student allowances and funding challenges

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has committed to resolving outstanding student funding and administrative challenges raised through the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training’s Helpdesk.

This follows a meeting between Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim, NSFAS Acting Chief Executive Officer Laurence Aadnesgaard and the scheme’s management team to discuss concerns affecting students across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

The discussions focused on outstanding student allowance payments, delays in the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme and administrative challenges affecting students at various institutions.

The engagement comes amid growing concerns from the Deputy Minister’s Office over the number of NSFAS-related cases referred to the scheme through the Helpdesk that remain unresolved.

The Helpdesk serves as an interface between students and the PSET sector by receiving, escalating and following up on student queries. However, the office does not have operational control over NSFAS.

“The engagement provided an opportunity to raise these matters directly with NSFAS, to seek clarity on outstanding cases, and to discuss appropriate follow-up,” the department said in a statement on Monday.

Unisa students await outstanding allowances

One of the issues discussed during Friday’s meeting was the outstanding Personal Care Allowances and Funza Lushaka bursary payments affecting students at the University of South Africa (Unisa).

NSFAS confirmed that it transferred Personal Care Allowance funds to Unisa on 30 October. However, the university was still reconciling the payments and awaiting the necessary internal approvals for outstanding November allowances.

The scheme undertook to engage with Unisa on Monday, 9 November, and provide an update on the status of payments to affected students.

Regarding Funza Lushaka payments, NSFAS confirmed that payments had been processed, including the latest payment batch of R37 511 300 on Friday, 6 November 2026.

“Of the 2 955 UNISA students in the 2026 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, 2 413 students (81.7%) have successfully received their allowances. A further 106 students are expected to be paid after submitting updated documentation for the end-October allowances.

“Of major concern, 343 students have outstanding documentation. Follow-up emails have been sent to encourage them to complete the required submissions. In addition, seven students have not yet provided their banking details. They have been sent the link to update their information,” the department explained.

At the University of Venda (UNIVEN), NSFAS confirmed that it had paid R5 144 150 to the institution on Friday. Proof of payment was presented to the Deputy Minister's Office.

NSFAS funding challenges at CUT and Elangeni TVET College

The meeting also addressed individual cases submitted through the Helpdesk involving students at the Central University of Technology (CUT) and Elangeni TVET College.

At CUT, approximately 81 cases involving Extended Studies Information Technology students were received.

The cases reportedly relate to incorrect qualification coding, which affected students' NSFAS funding and appeals.

At Elangeni TVET College, 33 N6 students were reportedly recorded as having failed or not progressed academically despite passing their assessments. This allegedly affected their funding status.

The Deputy Minister's Office has requested that the cases be reconciled with the relevant institutions and NSFAS to establish the extent of the challenges, clarify affected student records and determine the appropriate steps to resolve them.

NSFAS and the Deputy Minister's Office also agreed in principle to establish regular technical engagements to review cases submitted through the Helpdesk and monitor progress.

“NSFAS has also been requested to submit a written status report identifying resolved and outstanding matters, reasons for delays, any additional information required, and anticipated resolution dates.”

Deputy Minister calls for increase in R316 student allowance

Cassim also called for a review of the NSFAS funding guidelines, including the value and structure of student allowances.

He raised concerns that the current Personal Care Allowance of R316 was insufficient to adequately support students and called for an increase to ensure that financial constraints do not undermine their academic success.

The Deputy Minister is also pursuing a workshop involving the Ministry, the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS, expected to take place this week.

The workshop is expected to consider the funding and loan guidelines and the Student Accommodation Protocol ahead of the 2027 academic year. The date has not yet been confirmed.

Discussions are also expected to consider the circumstances of distance-learning students, particularly access to data support and the costs associated with attending compulsory practical sessions.

NSFAS payment resolves immediate eviction threat for WestCol students

Student accommodation was another concern raised during the engagement.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the situation of students accommodated by a WestCol TVET College-accredited accommodation provider who had reportedly faced possible eviction because of outstanding payments.

NSFAS confirmed that payment had been made to the provider on 5 November, lifting the immediate threat of eviction.

However, the Deputy Minister's Office has requested written confirmation of the payment and assurance that affected students will remain accommodated.

"Student funding is central to ensuring that young people can access and complete their studies. When students experience delays, administrative difficulties or uncertainty about their allowances, these challenges can have a real impact on their ability to continue with their education.

"It is important that students have channels through which they can raise their concerns and receive feedback. Our engagement with NSFAS provides an opportunity to bring these matters directly to its attention and encourage the necessary follow-through,” Cassim said.

NSFAS has committed to working through all outstanding matters submitted to the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk and systematically reviewing the outstanding list already provided by the office.