NSFAS News
Student Survival 2025 – NSFAS Delays Leave Students Struggling

Student Survival 2025 – NSFAS Delays Leave Students Struggling. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains a cornerstone of financial support for students in South Africa. However, persistent delays in disbursements, unresolved applications, and ineffective communication have left thousands of students facing significant hardships as the 2025 academic year approaches.
Struggle Continues for Students
Many students relying on NSFAS funding are unable to secure basic necessities such as food and accommodation on time. This recurring issue has affected institutions like the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where frustration over delays has mounted.
Sphelele Mdlalose, a DUT student, shared the struggles faced by peers. “It hasn’t affected me much, but I’ve seen students unable to pay registration fees, leading to missed deadlines or rejection by institutions. NSFAS delays hit disadvantaged students the hardest.”
Beyond registration fees, delays in allowances force students to attend classes on empty stomachs, directly impacting their academic performance. Quinton Sithole, a third-year drama student, emphasized the ripple effect: “Without food, it’s hard to focus, and poor performance increases the risk of financial exclusion.”
Calls for Urgent Reform
Student organizations have voiced strong criticism, calling for immediate reforms to NSFAS operations. Sbani Somafika, representing the Durban branch of the MK Student Movement, highlighted systemic failures: “Returning students haven’t been coded for registration, blocking them financially. NSFAS must reopen applications for 2025 to help those left without funding.”
The accommodation crisis has worsened due to NSFAS’s ongoing disputes with the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA), leaving students uncertain about their living arrangements. While NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo assured that legitimate claims would be processed swiftly, delays remain a critical issue.
NSFAS Response
Despite student concerns, NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi refuted claims of funding delays. “Payments are made based on validated registration data. Initial upfront payments of R3.7 billion have been allocated to universities and R641 million to colleges,” he stated. Mnisi emphasized that NSFAS adheres to strict procedures, with institutions responsible for distributing funds to students.
Higher Education in Crisis
As the academic year nears, unresolved NSFAS issues continue to disrupt students’ educational journeys. While institutions like DUT are making efforts to mitigate these effects, systemic reform remains a pressing need. Advocacy groups insist that without immediate intervention, these annual disruptions will persist, jeopardizing students’ futures.
Conclusion
The ongoing NSFAS crisis highlights the urgent need for structural reform and improved financial aid management. Without swift intervention, thousands of students will continue facing obstacles to their education. Ensuring timely funding and transparency is crucial to securing their academic future.
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