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NSFAS Funding Withdrawal: Students in Limbo Billions Owed to Universities
Thousands of higher learning students in South Africa face uncertainty as the National Financial Aid Student Scheme (NSFAS) has withdrawn funding for some, leading to universities across the country being owed billions.
At the University of Pretoria, spokesperson Rikus Delport revealed that student debt reached approximately R530 million at the beginning of the year as reported by IOL. About 800 students, initially funded by NSFAS, were left in limbo after the scheme found them ineligible for funding.
Also Read: NSFAS Defunding Leaves University Students in a Dilemma
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Ga-Rankuwa encountered a staggering R845 million in student debt, while Tshwane University of Technology students also faced debt in the hundreds of millions.
As of December 31 of the previous year, more than 35,000 students were in debt to the University of Pretoria, with the debt accumulated over a decade.
In response, the University of Pretoria and Sefako Makgatho are seeking alternative means to aid students with historic debt. The University of Pretoria is exploring funding options through donors and funders, aiming to assist students with historical debt and ensuring deserving students are not left behind.
Sefako Makgatho is partnering with financial institutions to provide student loans, merit awards, and tuition waivers to academically performing students. Funding from specific entities, such as Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority and Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases, also supports needy students.
Students themselves have taken matters into their hands, initiating fundraising programs to help those unable to afford tuition fees. The #UPToia program at the University of Pretoria strives to raise R100 million to aid financially challenged students.
The issue of student debt has become a significant concern, leading to campaigns like the three-year effort by the UP Alma Mater Fund, specifically supporting students who earn just enough to be disqualified from NSFAS funding but still struggle with bank loan affordability.
The disarray in NSFAS has been evident in recent years, leading to protests by the University of Pretoria students demanding an increase in accommodation allowances and Sefako Makgatho students expressing discontent with the non-payment of their allowances.
The article emphasises the urgent need for solutions to address the financial challenges faced by students and universities, highlighting the ongoing efforts by institutions and students themselves to find alternatives in this complex situation.
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Photo: Facebook / @University of Pretoria
