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
SA: Blade Nzimande: Address by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Gala Dinner of the 2026 National Research Foundation Award (03/09/2026)
4th September 2026 It also helps us to grapple with some of the most profound questions which have intrigued humanity since the appearance of our species in the... →
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... →
DA calls for forensic scrutiny of NSFAS administration spending
31st July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) will launch a probe into the new and deeply disturbing allegations of luxury accommodation, apparent double-booking... →
DA demands answers from Manamela on NSFAS administration, taxpayer-funded advisors
14th July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) will submit parliamentary questions requiring Minister Buti Manamela to account for the decision to place NSFAS under... →
Social Grants and the Future of Digital Payments in South Africa
15th June 2026 Social protection remains one of the most visible, impactful, and fundamentally necessary pillars of South Africa’s democratic settlement. The... →
