NSFAS allocates R13 billion to assist students overcome registration barriers
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), will redirect R13.3 billion to assist blocked students, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced on Monday.
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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will use R13.3 billion it had reserved to assist students unable to register due to financial difficulties.
Speaking on Monday at the Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre at Tshedimoso House in Pretoria, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela said this funding will also assist with second-semester registrations and unpaid accommodation.
“In August, we committed to stabilising NSFAS while setting in motion a sustainable funding model,” he said.
“You will be pleased to know that we have developed funding mechanisms to address the substantial shortfall experienced in the 2025 academic year by reprioritising funds within the existing resource base of R13.3 billion to support 34,000 students with blocked registrations and 15,000 second-semester registrations.”
Manamela confirmed that NSFAS would issue a circular to open the registration portal immediately.
“Student accommodation providers who were impacted will also now be in a position to receive payments for services rendered,” he added.
Manamela was providing an update on the state of readiness of universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges for the 2026 academic year.
“This marks a significant moment in the stabilisation of NSFAS for the 2025 academic year,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the scheme still faces financial risk due to a growing number of students qualifying for post-school education and training funding, rising living costs, expanded eligibility criteria, and declining state resources in real terms.
He said further steps toward sustainable NSFAS funding reforms would be announced later this year.
Manamela also announced that NSFAS 2026 applications will officially open on Tuesday, 16 September, during a launch event at the University of Pretoria.
“This is the gateway through which hundreds of thousands of young people - especially from working-class and poor households - will be able to realise their dreams of studying at a university or TVET college,” he said.
According to Manamela, the application process for 2026 has been simplified and strengthened.
“Applications will be submitted via the myNSFAS portal, which is accessible through any internet-enabled device,” he explained.
“Students will be able to track their applications online, upload supporting documents, and receive real-time updates.”
He said to make the process more inclusive, NSFAS will be collaborating with partners such as SASSA, SARS, and the Department of Home Affairs to verify information automatically - reducing paperwork and speeding up approvals.
“In addition, NSFAS is extending its footprint through local and regional service centres, so that even those in rural areas can access help close to home.”
Manamela urged all stakeholders, including schools, teachers, parents, municipalities, libraries, NYDA centres, community halls, and internet cafés, to assist learners in applying before the deadline.
He added that competition for university spaces remains intense.
“For those who intend to study at university, competition for the 235,000 spaces remains very high, so early application is critical,” he said.
“For those choosing TVET colleges, NSFAS will fully cover tuition, registration, and allowances in line with the Heher Commission recommendation - reflecting our determination to shift enrolments towards the technical and vocational sector, which is vital for industrialisation and employment.”
“By working together, we can ensure that no deserving student is left behind.”
Manamela acknowledged the persistent challenges surrounding student accommodation. "Too many learners still live in unsafe and undignified conditions,” he said.
“We are working with institutions, communities, and the private sector to accelerate accredited accommodation and to eliminate confusion around who pays, who administers, and when.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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