While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened doors for millions of South African students, many still face severe challenges. From payment delays to accommodation crises, NSFAS students across the country are struggling to stay afloat—both academically and mentally.
This article highlights the key difficulties NSFAS students face in 2025 and why urgent intervention is needed.
1. Late Payments & Unreliable Disbursements
One of the most common complaints among NSFAS students is delayed allowance payments. Monthly stipends for food, transport, and learning materials are often late or inconsistent.
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“Sometimes we go weeks without food money,” says a University of Johannesburg student. “It’s hard to study when you’re hungry.”
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2. Accommodation Shortages & Evictions
Many students rely on NSFAS to cover their accommodation fees. But delays in payments to landlords have resulted in evictions and housing insecurity. Some students are forced to squat in common rooms or sleep in libraries.
“We get kicked out of residences while waiting for NSFAS to pay the landlords,” reports a student at Tshwane University of Technology.
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3. Academic Performance Under Pressure
Without stable funding, proper meals, or secure housing, many students see their grades plummet. The psychological toll includes anxiety, depression, and burnout, especially among first-year students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
4. Technical Glitches and Poor Communication
Students frequently report portal errors, missing documents, and poor communication from NSFAS. Help desks are often unreachable, and appeals processes take months.
“It feels like you’re shouting into a void,” said a Cape Peninsula University of Technology student.
5. Mental Health Crisis
The cumulative stress of financial hardship, poor living conditions, and academic demands has led to a student mental health crisis. While some universities offer support, demand far outweighs supply.
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6. Exclusion of ‘Missing Middle’ Students
While NSFAS assists students from poor backgrounds, those in the so-called ‘missing middle’—whose families earn just above the qualifying threshold—are left stranded. These students often drop out due to lack of funds.
Solutions in Sight?
While NSFAS has made strides in expanding access to higher education, systemic reform is needed:
Faster payment systems
Real-time student support platforms
More transparent communication
Policy revision for better inclusivity
Final Thoughts
The NSFAS system remains a lifeline for many, but without addressing its structural failures, it risks becoming more of a burden than a benefit. Universities, government, and civil society must work together to ensure every student can succeed, not just survive.
