The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has encouraged aspiring students to apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) support as of 16 September until 15 November 2025.
Minister Buti Manamela described the application process as the gateway for hundreds of thousands of young people, particularly from the working-class and poor households, to pursue their studies at University or TVET College institutions.
Despite longstanding challenges faced by the Scheme, Manamela assured that its systems have been strengthened for the smooth running of the 2026 academic year.
“NSFAS is extending its footprint through localised and regionalised service centres, so that even those in rural areas can access help close to home. And yes, we’ve heard the plea of students, Universities and TVET Colleges that we need to localise NSFAS. We need to regionalise NSFAS,” said Manamela.
He also indicated that a funding mechanism has been developed to address the shortfall of the 2025 academic year.
“By reprioritising funds within the existing resource base of R13.3 billion to support 34 000 students with blocked registration and second semester registration of 15 000 students. Many of these are students at UNISA and NSFAS. We’ll issue a secular to open the registration portal. Student accommodation providers who were impacted by the above will also be able to now receive payment for the services surrendered,” Manamela explained.
Students are advised to use the open period to their advantage and to avoid late applications.
Meanwhile, Manamela said they have also established a War Room, in a bid to strengthen stability and responsiveness across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
The War Room will be comprised of the department’s leadership, NSFAS, universities, TVET and colleges and Community Education and Training colleges, student formations, and quality councils.
“Through the War Room, we will tackle outstanding issues head-on, from the timely payment of NSFAS allowances, to the accreditation of student accommodation, the finalisation of examination certificates, and the resolution of disputes that can otherwise disrupt teaching and learning.
“It will also function as an early-warning system, so that potential triggers of protest or disruption are identified and addressed before they escalate. It ensures that when problems emerge, no student, no parent and no institution is left without answers,” remarked the Minister.
He also assured landlords that the scheme is resolving non-payment of students’ accommodations.
