NSFAS rejects claims of discrimination against UNISA students

“We can’t provide the same allowance threshold for students who are living and studying at home, especially considering the physical challenges present in the country,” Carrim explained.

This clarification comes as UNISA begins disbursing allowances today. The institution stated that allowances will only be paid to students whose registration data has been successfully submitted to NSFAS, along with verified banking details.

Carrim also addressed concerns regarding the appeals process, reassuring students that NSFAS aims to conclude all appeals by the end of this month.

An appeal is a request students submit to NSFAS to consider its decision to not fund them.

Carrim acknowledged that rejected applications and appeals can be disheartening, causing significant mental strain for students.

“We have about 140 case workers at NSFAS, and they are capable of processing up to 1 000 cases a day,” he said.

He also highlighted the ongoing accommodation challenges faced by the institution.

“There are two key issues contributing to the accommodation crisis: structural constraints and the allocation system,” said Carrim. “Especially in rural areas, there is simply not enough student accommodation available, and we have become reliant on private landlords.”

Despite this, Carrim sees the situation as an opportunity for the institution and the government to plan for future demand and work towards building adequate accommodation.

“The second challenge is that even the current system isn’t allocating accommodation as effectively and efficiently as it should,” he added.

Carrim also emphasised the importance of ensuring that NSFAS’s governance structures align with its mandate and that systems are improved for better service delivery.

To date, NSFAS says it has fully funded 243 000 eligible students. The institution has already disbursed R5.9 billion to universities and R751 million to TVET colleges, out of the R48.8 billion allocated for learning in the 2025 academic year.