NSFAS clears registration for 72 000 eligible students nationwide

More than 72 000 students who meet the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding criteria will now be allowed to register after the scheme approved their registration and funding.

According to SABC News the decision was announced by NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, who said the students include those at universities of technology, students on top-up funding, those registering for a second qualification and qualifying UNISA students.

Mathebula said the students had been waiting for confirmation from NSFAS before they could proceed with their registration.

‘In three months, I have worked around the clock to meet over 20 stakeholders. That is from students, unions, universities, SRCs, everybody that interacts with NSFAS,’ he said.

He added that about 72 000 students who qualify under NSFAS criteria and government policy will now receive funding support.

‘Those students have been waiting for NSFAS to be able to say, ‘Can we register? Can’t we register?’ Because they qualify in terms of NSFAS criteria and government policy, I’ve taken a decision that we will pay those students. We’ll allow those universities to register.’

Mathebula also submitted a stabilisation plan to the Minister of Higher Education and Training after three months in the role. He is the third NSFAS administrator appointed since 2018 and said his priority has been engaging with students, student representative councils, universities and other stakeholders to address operational challenges affecting the scheme.

The decision is expected to provide certainty for thousands of students who have been waiting to continue their studies during the 2026 academic year.