Thousands of university students across South Africa are facing funding delays due to a series of administrative and budgetary challenges. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed this recently.
A key concern is students who submitted their applications during the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) cycle but later enrolled at universities. Discrepancies in their application data have affected their funding eligibility and registration status.
Another group of students who registered after the official deadlines are also experiencing delays, with funding only released once institutions confirm registration. The process, DHET says, has taken longer than anticipated in many cases.
In addition, approved funding appeals are being held up due to budget limits. Despite receiving confirmation of financial aid, some students have yet to receive support, leaving them unable to pay for registration and other essential costs.
The DHET and NSFAS say they are working together to resolve these issues. Measures include reassessing TVET-linked applications, releasing funds for students with delayed registration, and looking into reallocating resources for those whose appeals have been granted.
Higher education institutions have been asked to assist students in addressing outstanding matters and ensure they are not academically disadvantaged by the delays.
“We are committed to ensuring that all qualifying students receive the financial support they need,” the department said in a statement.
Students are urged to stay informed through official NSFAS and university channels as efforts continue to address the backlog.
