In a troubling development for many South African students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has suspended funding for thousands of applicants and beneficiaries as of May 2025. This has caused widespread concern as students rely heavily on NSFAS to cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and learning materials.
In this guide, we explain why NSFAS funding suspended May 2025 happened, what affected students should do next, and where to seek help while waiting for student grant delay resolutions.
Summary Table: NSFAS Suspension Key Points
| Issue | Details | Impacted Students | Expected Updates |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS Funding Suspended | Thousands of students temporarily removed from the funding list | New and returning beneficiaries | May 2025 |
| Reason for Suspension | Verification issues, suspected fraudulent applications, admin errors | Students under review | Ongoing |
| Financial Aid Affected | Tuition, accommodation, allowances for meals and transport | All affected applicants | May–June 2025 |
| Support Available | University financial aid offices, NSFAS online support, appeals | All NSFAS beneficiaries | Immediate |
| Offical link | https://www.gov.za/ |
Why NSFAS Funding Was Suspended
The suspension stems from a combination of factors. According to financial aid NSFAS officials, the main reasons include:
-
Incomplete or unverifiable student information
-
Suspected fraudulent applications
-
Administrative processing errors during audits and reviews
The Department of Higher Education and Training initiated a system-wide verification drive to clean up records and prevent misuse of funds. Unfortunately, this process has temporarily impacted legitimate students too, causing a student grant delay for many who depend on these disbursements to continue their studies.
Who Is Affected by the Funding Suspension
The suspension affects both new applicants and continuing students who previously received financial aid. Universities and TVET colleges nationwide have reported students unable to pay registration fees, accommodation deposits, and book allowances due to the halted payments.
For example, at a Gauteng university, over 3,000 students reported receiving notification of funding suspension in early May, leaving many unsure about how to cover their immediate academic expenses.
What Students Should Do Now
Confirm Your NSFAS Status
First, log into your NSFAS online account to check your current application or funding status. Look out for notifications, pending documents, or reasons for suspension.
Tip: Use official platforms only — avoid relying on third-party websites or social media rumors.
Submit Outstanding Documents
If your funding was suspended due to missing or invalid documents, upload the correct versions immediately through the NSFAS portal. Typical required documents include:
-
Certified copy of ID
-
Proof of income (or affidavit for unemployed guardians)
-
Academic records
Example: If your parent’s income affidavit expired, replacing it with an updated, valid one could quickly resolve your case.
Lodge an Appeal
If you believe your funding was unfairly suspended, file an appeal through your NSFAS portal. Provide supporting documents to back your case.
Important: Appeals are time-sensitive. Act within the given deadline stated in your funding status notice.
Approach Campus Financial Aid Offices
Universities and TVET colleges have financial aid desks specifically to assist students during crises like this. They can help verify your application, escalate urgent cases, or provide interim solutions such as meal vouchers or emergency accommodation while your funding is reviewed.
Stay Updated via Official Channels
For reliable SA financial aid NSFAS updates, follow official NSFAS social media accounts, the Department of Higher Education website, or your institution’s financial aid office bulletins.
Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
The NSFAS review process is ongoing, and affected students can expect either:
-
Reinstatement of funding once verification is complete
-
Request for additional information or
-
Permanent funding cancellation for ineligible or fraudulent applications
Students reinstated in June will receive back pay for May allowances. However, any delays beyond that could impact second-semester registrations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was NSFAS funding suspended in May 2025?
Answer: Funding was suspended due to verification issues, suspected fraud, and administrative errors uncovered during a national audit.
How do I check if my NSFAS funding is affected?
Answer: Log into your NSFAS account on the official website to review your current funding status and any notifications.
Can I appeal if my funding was suspended unfairly?
Answer: Yes, you can file an appeal through the NSFAS portal, providing all required documents and reasons for reconsideration.
Will I get my missed May 2025 allowances if funding is reinstated?
Answer: Yes. Once your funding is approved again, NSFAS typically pays out any outstanding allowances retroactively.
Who can I contact for immediate help while my NSFAS status is sorted out?
Answer: Visit your campus financial aid office, or contact NSFAS support via their official website or helpline for direct assistance.
Conclusion
The NSFAS funding suspended May 2025 situation has created significant challenges for students nationwide. But by acting quickly — checking your status, submitting outstanding documents, appealing where necessary, and staying connected to official updates — you can improve your chances of resolving your case. Institutions and government offices are working to address student grant delays, so stay proactive and informed.
Click here to know more.