The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that online funding applications for the 2025 academic year will officially open on Friday, 20 September. This announcement follows a brief delay in the application process, which was initially expected to launch on Monday after a previous postponement.
Postponement due to stakeholder consultations
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, alongside NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo, addressed the media in Pretoria, explaining the reasons behind the delay. Nkabane stated that the decision to postpone the launch was influenced by critical consultations with student organisations over the weekend.
“Having received a presentation during these stakeholder consultations and having noted the comments from stakeholders, I am now confident that NSFAS is ready to kickstart the 2025 online application process—effectively this Friday,” said Nkabane.
She acknowledged that while the delay caused concern among students, ensuring the system’s efficiency was necessary. “Another reason for the postponement was to allow NSFAS to do a dry run of the system to stakeholders,” she added.
Improvements in the new system
The upcoming launch of the online application system is expected to introduce several enhancements aimed at improving the user experience. These improvements are part of an ongoing effort to address issues that have previously plagued the application process, including system crashes and delays in fund disbursement.
NSFAS has faced criticism in the past for its inefficiency, with many students expressing frustration over delayed payments and communication breakdowns. Despite these concerns, the organisation remains a critical lifeline for students in need of financial assistance to pursue higher education.
NSFAS without a board amid maladministration claims
The launch of the 2025 application process comes at a time when NSFAS is operating without a board. Earlier this year, the previous board was dissolved amid allegations of maladministration and financial mismanagement. While the absence of a board raises questions about governance and oversight, NSFAS officials have assured the public that the scheme is prepared to manage the upcoming academic year’s applications.
As the 2025 academic year approaches, all eyes are on NSFAS. With improved systems in place and heightened expectations from students.
