TVET College students enrolled in certain NC(V) programmes were unfairly denied funding due to a qualification code error. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has resolved the issue. Funding will now resume.
NSFAS confirmed that two NC(V) programmes were affected by mismatched qualification codes. These discrepancies delayed bursary payments.
Following an investigation, NSFAS traced the problem and implemented a fix. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Nobuhle Nkabane said 80% of the affected students' results were released to exam centres on 2 April 2025.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has submitted further documentation for NC(V) Levels 2 to 4 students. This will be sent to Umalusi, the quality assurance council, by 5 May 2025. Umalusi is expected to release the final results on 9 and 12 May 2025.
Funding to Resume
With the issue resolved, NSFAS will resume disbursing funds. “We expect the affected students to receive their NSFAS funding without further delay,” said Minister Nkabane.
I appreciate the patience and understanding of all affected students and stakeholders during this process. We remain committed to ensuring that all eligible students receive their funding and results promptly.
What Affected Students Should Do
Students are advised to:
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Check with their exam centres to confirm their results have been released.
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Monitor their NSFAS portal or institutional accounts for updates.
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Contact their college or NSFAS if there's no progress by mid-May.
The department said resolving this issue is part of broader efforts to fix administrative challenges impacting student support.
NSFAS offers bursaries and student loans to qualifying students at universities and TVET colleges. The funding covers tuition, registration, accommodation, food, and learning materials.
