NSFAS has transferred R222.7 million to six universities for 2 927 Funza Lushaka bursary students, with institutions now expected to pay the allowances.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has transferred R222.7 million to six universities for Funza Lushaka bursaries, covering 2 927 teaching students.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Training said the R222 688 894 payment was confirmed during a meeting between Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim, senior NSFAS officials and the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme team in Cape Town.
The money was paid to the Central University of Technology, North-West University, the University of Fort Hare, the University of Limpopo, the University of Pretoria and the University of South Africa.
The six institutions must now process the funds and pay the allowances due to students. Cassim asked NSFAS to write to each university and confirm when beneficiaries would receive their money.
“These payments must now reach students without delay so they can focus on their studies and not have to worry about outstanding allowances that have been pending for months,” Cassim said in the ministry’s statement.
Funza Lushaka is a multi-year bursary programme funded by the Department of Basic Education for students studying towards teaching qualifications. NSFAS acts as the disbursement agency, transferring funds to participating universities.
For the 2026 academic year, 23 universities were allocated R1.3 billion for the programme. The funding covers tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials and a living allowance.
The ministry said claims worth R295 988 585 for 3 095 students were uploaded during August and are being processed for payment in September.
NSFAS told the ministry that its verification process takes about four weeks. Universities were asked to submit claims promptly to avoid further delays for students.
More than R500 million remains unclaimed under the programme. Institutions with outstanding claims have until 13 September to submit them for payment in October, according to the ministry.
Cassim has directed NSFAS to contact all institutions with outstanding claims and establish whether they will meet the deadline, while confirming that current beneficiaries will continue receiving their allowances.
NSFAS has proposed a joint workshop with the institutions and other stakeholders in November. The session will examine delays in the claims process, including manual administration, communication with students and the alignment of payment schedules.
The ministry said the workshop would take place before the 2027 academic year.
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