NSFAS exceeded initial funding targets for 2025 by more than 120,000 students, MPs told
This was revealed by the Department of Higher Education and Training during a portfolio committee meeting in Parliament on Wednesday.
National Student Financial Aid Scheme employees assist prospective students. Picture: @Facebook.com/nsfas
CAPE TOWN - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has reportedly exceeded its initial funding targets by more than 120,000 students for the 2025 financial year.
This was revealed by the Department of Higher Education and Training during a portfolio committee meeting in Parliament on Wednesday.
The department confirmed that NSFAS had exceeded its initial funding targets, assisting more than 540,000 university students, far surpassing the expected 417,938 beneficiaries.
It said that more than 1.7 million students had also enrolled in universities, TVET colleges, and community education and training institutions for the 2025 academic year.
The Department of Higher Education and Training said these numbers demonstrated the continued expansion of post-school education in South Africa.
Deputy Minister Buti Manamela said that the overachievement in NSFAS funding was a clear indication of the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.
The department said that while it welcomed the scheme's ability to reach more students, it does, however, acknowledge ongoing administrative challenges.
It said that part of its corrective measures to address the challenges included strengthening governance and administration at NSFAS to ensure that funding is disbursed efficiently and on time.