By Zanele Makola
According to acting NSFAS CEO Waseem Carrim, R48 billion has been allocated to institutions of higher learning for student funding in the 2025 academic year.
“Just in terms of our budgeting constraints, NSFAS allocated a combined value of about R48 billion for learning in the 2025 academic year. Of that, about R5.9 billion has already been disbursed to universities, representing approximately 15% of the allocation, while an additional R751 million has been disbursed to TVET colleges,” Carrim explained.
While funding for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges has increased by 4.4% to R14.2 billion, direct allocations to universities have increased by 1.5% to R48.4 billion. With this increased funding, more students will have access to tertiary education, with an estimated 2.1 million students expected to receive financial aid over the next three years.
In addition to covering tuition and registration fees, NSFAS bursaries and student loans also provide allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials. The recent budget increase is expected to improve students’ livelihoods by offering enhanced financial support.
This significant investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to equipping young South Africans with the education and skills needed for the country’s development.
Dr Marcia Socikwa, acting Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training, stated that the scheme would propose a new funding disbursement model to its board, allowing students to receive funds directly instead of through universities.
“NSFAS is going to encourage the board to consider a cost-effective way of disbursement so that the middleman is not the beneficiary to the detriment of our students. Our students remain, first and foremost, our key stakeholders—not the middleman,” Socikwa added.
