The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) confirmed delays in disbursing 2024 allowances to TVET college students. The delays are linked to challenges during the transition to a direct payment system.
NSFAS offers bursaries and student loans for eligible students at universities and TVET colleges. Funding covers fees, with allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Payment Delays Due to System Changes
Last month, NSFAS reaffirmed its commitment to settling all outstanding amounts from 2024 owed to both students and accommodation providers. The Scheme said it was working on communication to outline the way forward regarding these 2024 outstanding amounts, which were set to be finalised by 30 April 2025.
In a recent statement, NSFAS cited complications arising from the handover of payments from service providers back to NSFAS in 2024.
In 2024, NSFAS began paying allowances directly into students’ bank accounts. The scheme said this method reduces delays, minimises non-payments, and is more cost-effective.
The transition involved a detailed reconciliation process, which NSFAS said is nearly complete.
Special Payment Run Planned
NSFAS has committed to resolving the backlog. It confirmed:
- Monthly allowances for 2025 will be paid on 25 May 2025.
- A special payment run for outstanding 2024 allowances will be processed on 31 May 2025.
The scheme reaffirmed its “steadfast commitment to working collaboratively with the sector to meet its obligations and address systemic challenges.”
Students who are still awaiting their 2024 allowances are advised to take note of the outlined timelines.
No further details have been provided on how students can track their payments.
Delay Denials Prove False
NSFAS previously dismissed reports of delayed April 2025 payments, calling them “fake news.” But students were not paid on 25 April as expected.
Later, NSFAS confirmed delays affecting 800 students. Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane promised payments by the end of April.
Though the April 2025 delays are unrelated to the 2024 issues, they reflect ongoing challenges in NSFAS’s new payment system.
