The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced it will reprioritise R13 billion to support students who were unable to register due to funding issues.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela confirmed the move during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, where he provided an update on the 2026 academic year preparations and the scheme applications.
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According to Manamela, around 34,000 students with blocked registrations and 15,000 second-semester students will now be prioritised for funding.
R10 Billion Miscalculation Affected Students
In August, the scheme revealed that it had miscalculated its available funds by R10 billion, which left thousands of qualifying students unable to register.
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The scheme has since restructured its finances, ensuring funds are available ahead of the opening of the 2026 academic year applications.
“Many of these are UNISA students. NSFAS will issue a circular today to open the registration,” said Manamela. He added that student accommodation providers impacted by the funding delays will also now be able to receive payments.
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Despite this intervention, Manamela cautioned that the funding organization continues to face financial challenges due to the growing number of students qualifying for funding.
The deputy minister emphasised that while immediate relief has been secured for affected students, the broader financial stability of the scheme remains a pressing concern.
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