Higher Education Equity and Student Success Require a Stronger NSFAS

Higher Education Equity and Student Success Require a Stronger NSFAS. Higher education is a fundamental pillar for economic growth and social progress. For many young South Africans, access to quality education hinges on a reliable financial aid system. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a pivotal role in removing financial barriers that prevent deserving students from pursuing their academic goals. Despite facing criticism, NSFAS has made substantial strides in enhancing student funding and tackling historic student debt.

Higher Education Equity and Student Success Require a Stronger NSFAS

One of the most transformative milestones in NSFAS’s history was its transition from a loan-based model to a full bursary system in 2018. This change signified the government’s commitment to making higher education more accessible to disadvantaged students. Today, over one million students benefit from fully subsidized higher education, with the government allocating more than R140 billion in funding since 2018.

The increased support for students at universities and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges demonstrates a significant shift towards equitable education. In 2025, an additional R1.8 billion has been injected into NSFAS, reinforcing its role in facilitating academic success.

Addressing Challenges: The Need for Reform and Efficiency

Despite its achievements, NSFAS has been under scrutiny for administrative inefficiencies, delayed disbursements, and student frustrations. These challenges, while valid, should not overshadow the considerable progress made in improving student funding and debt management. To enhance efficiency and accountability, decisive leadership is crucial.

The appointment of Waseem Carrim as the acting CEO marks a step towards stability and efficiency. Having previously led the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) to nine consecutive clean audits, Carrim brings the expertise required to restructure NSFAS into a world-class student funding institution.

Expanding Student Support Beyond Tuition

Financial aid extends beyond tuition fees; students require holistic support, including:

• Adequate housing to ensure a conducive learning environment.
• Mental health support to promote well-being and academic performance.
• Timely and stable financial aid disbursements to prevent disruptions in education.

In a progressive move, the TVET student allowance has been increased from R10,000 to R14,600 in 2025, aligning vocational students’ financial support with that of university students. This increase reflects the government’s commitment to equitable education across different learning institutions.

Tackling Historic Student Debt

One of the major challenges facing NSFAS is historic student debt. While millions of students have benefited from NSFAS funding, many still struggle with outstanding tuition fees that hinder their academic progress. The government continues to engage stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions without compromising the financial viability of the funding model.

Building a Transparent and Accountable NSFAS

For NSFAS to fully realize its mission, it must prioritize:

• Transparency: Clear communication on funding processes and criteria.
• Efficiency: Timely disbursement of funds to prevent student hardship.
• Accountability: Strong governance structures to prevent mismanagement.

With these elements in place, NSFAS can evolve into a robust financial aid institution that empowers South Africa’s youth and drives the nation’s economic and social development.

Conclusion

Higher education funding is not just about financial support—it is about building a skilled, empowered, and capable generation that will drive South Africa forward. Strengthening NSFAS requires continued investment, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to student success. By addressing challenges proactively and ensuring a transparent and accountable funding model, NSFAS can become a global benchmark for student financial aid.