NSFAS loan delays leave thousands of students in financial limbo

Thousands of South African students who were promised financial support under the new NSFAS loan scheme for households earning between R350,000 and R600,000 are struggling to stay afloat as they face ongoing delays in receiving their allowances and tuition payments. Despite assurances from NSFAS that these funds would be made available to assist the so-called “missing middle” students—those who do not qualify for traditional NSFAS grants but cannot afford university fees—many have yet to see a cent.

For students relying on these loans to cover tuition, accommodation, and daily expenses, the delay has caused immense stress and uncertainty. With the academic year already underway, some students are at risk of being deregistered due to unpaid fees, while others struggle with food insecurity and transportation costs. Many universities have refused to extend payment deadlines, forcing students into desperate situations where they either take on private debt or drop out altogether.

Adding to the frustration is NSFAS’s lack of clear communication regarding the cause of these delays. Some students report receiving conflicting information, while others claim that their applications remain stuck in processing, with no indication of when payments will be made. The inefficiencies in the system, compounded by previous mismanagement and corruption scandals within NSFAS, have led to growing distrust among students and parents.

Student organisations and university representatives have called on NSFAS to urgently resolve the delays and provide clarity on payment timelines. Protests have already erupted on some campuses, with students demanding immediate action to prevent further academic disruptions. Many argue that the government’s failure to implement a smooth rollout of the loan scheme highlights a broader issue of inadequate financial support for higher education.

As frustration mounts, affected students remain in limbo, uncertain of how they will afford to continue their studies. With no immediate resolution in sight, the pressure is on NSFAS to deliver on its promises and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from accessing the education they were assured they could afford.