💨 Abstract

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding for over one million students for the 2026 academic year. This includes 626,935 first-time applicants and 427,144 continuing students who met academic criteria. Despite record application numbers, NSFAS faces financial pressure. Minister Buti Manamela highlighted the scheme's importance in expanding access to higher education for poor and working-class students.

Courtesy: Sundeeka Mungroo