NSFAS Funding Issues Remain A Challenge For Students

In spite of the start of the current academic year at many public universities, some students have raised concerns about their inability to register for courses and access NSFAS funding.

NSFAS Funding Issues Remain A Challenge For Students

NSFAS Late Application 2025 Opening Date

A number of issues are preventing students at the University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology from being able to register this year, causing some students to be concerned about their academic futures. As a result, their NSFAS application appeals are pending.

Students who have been wrongfully affected by the bursary scheme’s N+1 rule appear to be the main issue. N+1 refers to the minimum duration of the student’s chosen programme relative to the number of years they are funded for their tertiary education.

Students in their final year who have exceeded the N+1 rule may appeal for NSFAS N+2 funding through their MyNSFAS account if they are not taking a full course load.

NSFAS does not process the appeals in question quickly enough, according to student representatives from both universities.

Affected students have expressed frustration over this, adding that some of them may be deregistered as a result.

• This system that NSFAS has implemented starting from last year is the reason why we find ourselves here in Cape Town travelling to solve these issues that concern NSFAS. The first one is students who are on a closure report. The second one is students whose appeals have not been finalized yet.

A resolution to the issue has been reached following engagements between student representatives and the University of the Free State management.

Additionally, the university’s management stated that all NSFAS appeals filed within the specified deadline will be considered by the university’s re-admission review tribunal.

NSFAS Accommodation Portal 2025