The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) is grappling with a surge in applications for the 2025 academic year, exceeding 936,000. While loan and bursary schemes are in place, Nsfas faces challenges in processing applications thoroughly and addressing communication issues with universities. The article delves into these challenges, including concerns about governance, corruption, and the impact of delayed matric results on the academic calendar.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme ( Nsfas ) has received a surge in applications for the 2025 academic year, exceeding 936,000. Approximately 668,000 applications have been provisionally funded pending placement at institutions. This was revealed by Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training Chairperson Tebogo Letsie during a briefing on Thursday.
Letsie highlighted the importance for Nsfas to meticulously process applications to avoid a repeat of last year's issues, where many students, particularly those in the 'missing middle' category, experienced mid-year defunding. While Nsfas's comprehensive student fund model is still under development, loan and bursary schemes are in place for the upcoming academic year. Letsie explained that a loan scheme is specifically targeted at 'missing middle' students, and Nsfas is prepared to assist them in the 2025 academic year. A significant development for 'missing middle' students is the allocation of approximately R3.8 billion from the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the SETAs to serve as loans. Around 17,000 individuals have applied for the Nsfas 'missing middle' loan scheme. Letsie emphasized the challenges Nsfas has faced with governance and communication, acknowledging that the appointment of a new board is in progress following the dismissal of the previous board last year due to governance and corruption concerns. He expressed confidence in the quality of the new board and revealed that he has requested the minister to amend the position advertisement to include mandatory lifestyle audits for board members. Communication between Nsfas and universities has also proven to be problematic, with some institutions hesitant to register students. Letsie suggested that Nsfas and universities should establish a memorandum of understanding to streamline the process and eliminate delays caused by waiting for funded lists or exam results. He emphasized that universities should adhere to the N+1 rule for returning students while acknowledging that communication challenges with first-year students are understandable.
NSFAS Student Financial Aid Higher Education Loan Schemes Governance Corruption Academic Calendar STEM
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