800 TVET Students Still Owe Their May 2025 Allowances To NSFAS
800 TVET Students Still Owe Their May 2025 Allowances To NSFAS. Despite recent efforts by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to resolve payment delays, approximately 800 TVET students remain unpaid for their May 2025 allowances. This development has raised concerns across the higher education sector and has prompted a formal apology from the Department of Higher Education and Training.
NSFAS Allowance Payments
NSFAS is a vital financial support system in South Africa that provides bursaries and loans to underprivileged students enrolled in public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Monthly NSFAS allowances are critical for students who depend on these funds for basic needs such as food, transport, data, and accommodation.
While the majority of students received their May 2025 disbursements, 800 TVET College students are still waiting for their funds, despite other previous delays being cleared earlier in the month.
Official Confirmation by the Minister of Higher Education
In a recent public statement, Deputy Minister Nobuhle Nkabane acknowledged the issue and confirmed that the affected group of students are all enrolled at one specific TVET College. She emphasized the Department’s commitment to resolving the issue.
“We acknowledge that a specific group of approximately 800 students at a specific institution is experiencing challenges with the transfer of funds. The Scheme is committed to rectifying this matter by 30 May 2025,” said Nkabane.
The Minister further stated that delays of this nature are “unacceptable” and offered an apology to all students affected by the lapse in allowance distribution.
NSFAS Payment Delay
To better understand the situation, here is a breakdown of the recent events:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early May 2025 | NSFAS resolved several earlier payment delays for TVET and university students |
| Mid-May 2025 | Social media posts claimed more delays were happening (NSFAS denied this) |
| 26 May 2025 | 24-hour delay experienced; some students only received allowances on Sunday |
| 30 May 2025 | Deadline set for finalising the remaining unpaid May 2025 allowances |
Despite the denial of ongoing issues by NSFAS on social media, the delay for 800 students confirmed that not all problems were resolved.
Social Media Confusion vs. Ground Reality
Last week, NSFAS dismissed various online claims about NSFAS payment delays as “fabricated” and “intended to create unnecessary panic.” The Scheme encouraged students and guardians to rely on official channels for updates, including the NSFAS website and verified social media accounts.
However, reality painted a different picture. While the majority of students eventually received their payments, albeit a day late, the small but significant group of 800 students were left behind. Their NSFAS allowances for May 2025 were still pending even as the month came to an end.
Minister Apology and Assurance
Minister Nkabane expressed deep regret for the situation, acknowledging that students are reliant on NSFAS payments for their survival during the academic year.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delays in allowances – delayed payments are unacceptable. We recognise the impact of these delays, as students depend entirely on their allowances for living expenses.”
The Minister assured that processes were being reviewed to ensure quicker and more reliable disbursement of funds in the future. Affected students have been advised to remain in contact with their college administrators and NSFAS representatives to stay updated.
Why NSFAS Allowances Are So Critical
For many students enrolled in TVET Colleges, NSFAS is more than just a fund—it’s a lifeline. Most beneficiaries come from low-income households and rely on these funds for:
- Accommodation and rent
- Meals and groceries
- Transport to campus
- Internet/data costs for online learning
- Study materials
Delayed payments, therefore, impact academic performance, mental health, and even attendance. In some extreme cases, students have to skip classes or exams because they cannot afford transport or food.
NSFAS Responds and Outlines Preventive Measures
To avoid similar setbacks in future, NSFAS is reportedly working closely with its financial service providers to streamline the verification and payment processes. Internal system checks and balances are also being enhanced.
“NSFAS is actively collaborating with its financial services institution to resolve this issue and prevent any recurrence in the coming months,” stated a spokesperson from the scheme.
Students have been cautioned to only rely on verified communication channels and not believe every social media post about payment delays.
Verification of Claims and Contact Information
NSFAS urges all students to verify the status of their May 2025 NSFAS allowances through the following:
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.nsfas.org.za |
| @NSFASOfficial | |
| Twitter/X | @myNSFAS |
| 078 519 8006 | |
| NSFAS Contact Centre | 08000 NSFAS (08000 67327) |
Student Reactions and Campus Advocacy
Students and student unions have voiced frustration over the recurring issue of NSFAS payment delays. Some institutions have escalated concerns to the Department of Higher Education, requesting urgent interventions and longer-term reforms.
“This is not just a delay; this is a disruption to our learning, our dignity, and our survival,” said a student representative from the affected TVET College.
There have been calls for more transparency, accountability, and real-time tracking systems so that students can see the status of their funds and raise issues before crisis levels are reached.
What Needs to Be Done Moving Forward
The recurring problem of late NSFAS disbursements points to a deeper need for reform. Experts suggest the following steps:
- System Automation: Implement a fully automated system for fund release that reduces human error and manual approval delays.
- Early Verification: Ensure student banking and academic registration details are verified well ahead of monthly deadlines.
- Feedback Channels: Develop better feedback mechanisms and real-time dashboards to keep students informed.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Create better lines of communication between colleges, NSFAS, and financial intermediaries.
- Contingency Planning: Introduce emergency support funds or meal vouchers for students affected by delays.
Conclusion
The issue of 800 TVET students still waiting for their May 2025 allowances from NSFAS underscores the fragility of South Africa’s student funding ecosystem. While progress has been made, the system is still vulnerable to delays that can deeply impact students’ education and well-being.
