CCN

25 September 2026 | 16:00

GQEBERHA — More than 350 students affected by National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding problems have had their funding restored after incorrect qualification codes were uploaded by institutions.

Deputy Higher Education and Training Minister Yusuf Cassim confirmed that 357 students had been affected by the problem.

The students were enrolled in extended programmes and had been defunded because of incorrect qualification codes. 

Students caught in administrative problem

The dispute highlighted a problem that can have immediate consequences for students who depend on NSFAS.

When funding is frozen or withdrawn, students can face problems paying for accommodation, food, transport and other necessities.

Cassim said some affected students had experienced frozen allowances and other funding elements for months.

He said students should not have their education disrupted because of administrative failures.

“There were a number of students that were being defunded and they were being incorrectly defunded because the incorrect qualification codes were uploaded by different institutions.”

Cassim said he intervened with NSFAS to restore the funding. 

Funding restored

NSFAS subsequently confirmed that funding for the 357 students had been restored.

The restoration is significant because the dispute had threatened to leave students without financial support despite the problem originating from qualification-code administration.

Cassim has also raised concerns about students being prejudiced when funding problems affect their academic progression.

Wider NSFAS problems

The latest issue comes against the backdrop of broader complaints about NSFAS, including delayed allowances, funding appeals and investigations into student eligibility.

The department has previously acknowledged challenges affecting students and said efforts were underway to resolve outstanding cases.

Cassim said the department was working to ensure students affected by administrative errors were not unfairly disadvantaged.

What happens next?

The department will have to ensure that corrected student records remain reflected properly in the NSFAS system.

The longer-term issue is whether similar errors can be prevented when universities submit student qualification information.

For affected students, the immediate concern is whether funding and allowances are actually flowing normally after restoration.

FACT BOX

• Students affected: 357
• Issue: Incorrect qualification codes
• Funding: Restored
• Institutional context: Extended programmes
• Deputy minister: Yusuf Cassim
• Main concern: Students should not be academically or financially disadvantaged by administrative errors