NSFAS
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) is a South African government entity that provides financial assistance to eligible students from poor and working-class families to pursue higher education and training. Established under the NSFAS Act of 1999, the scheme operates as a bursary and loan programme administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. NSFAS funds tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books and learning materials, and transport for students attending public universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges across South Africa. The scheme targets students from households with a combined annual income below a specified threshold, prioritising those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. NSFAS funding is means-tested, and eligibility is determined through an application process that assesses family income and academic performance. The organisation has undergone significant reforms in recent years, including the introduction of a fully subsidised bursary model in 2018 that converted loans into grants for qualifying students. NSFAS plays a critical role in expanding access to tertiary education and addressing historical inequalities in South Africa's education system. The scheme is governed by a board appointed by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and its operations are subject to regular scrutiny regarding disbursement efficiency, student coverage and financial sustainability. NSFAS recurs frequently in coverage related to higher education funding, student protests, budget allocations and debates over access to tertiary education in South Africa.
NSFAS Updates
NSFAS stability demands Minister Manamela moves to replace departing Acting CEO
1st October 2026 The appointment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Acting CEO Waseem Carrim as the new Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO leaves NSFAS with... →
NSFAS records over 51 000 early applications for 2027, stresses strict deadline for submissions 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 22nd September 2026 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced on Tuesday that it is “highly encouraged” by a massive wave of early submissions... →
NSFAS opens 2027 applications, assures ‘major system upgrades’ after returning to board governance
By: Thabi Shomolekae 18th September 2026 Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela announced on Friday that the 2027 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application... →
NSFAS’s R33-billion shortfall again shows why decentralisation cannot wait
11th September 2026 The estimated R33 billion shortfall at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) by 2029 is yet another clear warning that the current... →
National Student Financial Aid Scheme Board notes statement on Public Protector Report
21st August 2026 The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board acknowledges the release of the Public Protector's report on NSFAS. The Board holds the... →
Manamela’s pressure mounts after Public Protector NSFAS briefing
18th August 2026 Pressure is mounting on Minister Buti Manamela after the Public Protector’s briefing providing an update on the investigation into the National... →
Manamela must account for irrational NSFAS appointment
14th August 2026 The DA has delivered an urgent letter to the Chairperson of the Higher Education and Training Portfolio Committee requesting that the Minister... →
DA challenges Min. Manamela: Come clean at the Press Club tonight to tell the truth about NSFAS
13th August 2026 The DA issues a direct challenge to Minister Buti Manamela to use his address to the Press Club tonight to play his cards openly with South Africa... →
High student accommodation costs making higher education unaffordable
7th August 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has warned that the high cost of student accommodation is making... →
NSFAS accuses former board member of stealing laptops meant for needy schools
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th August 2026 In a significant move towards organisational accountability, employees of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme have officially opened a... →
