By Thapelo Molefe
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been given a list of outstanding student funding complaints to resolve, following mounting concerns over unpaid allowances, delayed bursary payments and administrative failures affecting students across several institutions.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim met NSFAS acting chief executive Laurence Aadnesgaard and his management team on Friday to address cases escalated through his office’s Helpdesk.
The meeting follows frustration over the number of student complaints referred to NSFAS that remain unresolved, with the Deputy Minister’s office demanding clearer answers and regular updates on outstanding cases.
NSFAS has committed to systematically reviewing the list of cases already submitted by the Helpdesk and providing a written status report detailing resolved matters, outstanding complaints, reasons for delays and expected resolution dates.
Among the issues discussed were outstanding Personal Care Allowances for University of South Africa (Unisa) students and delays in payments under the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme.
NSFAS confirmed that it transferred Personal Care Allowance funds to Unisa on 30 October. However, the university was still reconciling payments and awaiting internal approvals for outstanding November allowances.
The scheme undertook to engage with Unisa on Monday and provide further updates on payments to affected students.
Regarding Funza Lushaka, NSFAS confirmed that 2 413 of the 2 955 Unisa students registered for the 2026 programme had received their allowances, representing 81.7%.
A further 106 students are expected to receive payments after submitting updated documentation, while 343 still have outstanding documents. Seven other students have yet to provide their banking details.
NSFAS also confirmed that it paid R37.5 million in the latest payment batch on Friday.
At the University of Venda, NSFAS confirmed a payment of R5.1 million to the institution on the same day, with proof of payment presented to the Deputy Minister’s office.
The meeting also addressed funding problems affecting students at the Central University of Technology (CUT) and Elangeni TVET College.
Approximately 81 Extended Studies Information Technology students at CUT reportedly experienced funding and appeal difficulties linked to incorrect qualification coding.
At Elangeni TVET College, 33 N6 students were allegedly recorded as having failed or not progressed academically despite passing their assessments, placing their funding status at risk.
Cassim’s office has requested that the cases be reconciled with the institutions and NSFAS to establish the extent of the problems and determine the necessary corrective action.
The Deputy Minister also called for a review of NSFAS funding guidelines, particularly the value of student allowances, saying that the current R316 Personal Care Allowance is insufficient to support students.
“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,” said Cassim.
He is also pursuing a workshop involving the Ministry, the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS this week to review funding and loan guidelines, as well as the Student Accommodation Protocol ahead of the 2027 academic year.
The discussions are expected to include the circumstances of distance-learning students, particularly their need for data support and the costs associated with attending compulsory practical sessions.
Student accommodation was another concern raised during the engagement, following reports that students housed by a WestCol TVET College-accredited accommodation provider faced possible eviction because of outstanding payments.
NSFAS informed the Deputy Minister that it had paid the provider on 5 November, lifting the immediate threat of eviction. However, Cassim’s office requested written confirmation and assurance that affected students would remain accommodated.
Cassim said his office would continue engaging NSFAS to ensure that student complaints receive attention.
“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,” he said.
Students with NSFAS complaints not already submitted to the Helpdesk can email Dmsdesk@dhet.gov.za for assistance.
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