NSFAS Denies Misleading Registration Statement Allegedly Linked to DUT

08 May 2025 – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has issued a firm rebuttal against a misleading message circulating on social media, which falsely claims that the 2025 registration portal has been closed due to budget constraints.

According to the viral statement, NSFAS had advised that “no registration templates will be accepted until further notice.” NSFAS has labelled this claim as false and a gross misrepresentation of its official position and operations.

In a media statement released on 7 May 2025, NSFAS categorically distanced itself from the misinformation, which is believed to have allegedly originated from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The Scheme has formally requested DUT to issue an immediate correction, stressing that such statements not only mislead students and stakeholders but also damage NSFAS’s reputation.

“The accurate position,” the statement explains, “is that on the 3rd of March 2025, NSFAS issued Circular Notice No. 4 of 2025 to all universities, confirming that the portal was open to receive valid registration data from that date.” While the official policy allows for data submission up until 31 March 2025, institutions were encouraged to submit by 14 March 2025 to avoid delays in funding.

NSFAS expressed regret that some institutions, including DUT, did not meet the recommended deadline, resulting in delays in tuition and allowance payments to affected students.

Despite these setbacks, NSFAS confirmed that on 6 May 2025, student allowance payments were successfully processed. Tuition fee disbursements are expected to follow shortly.

NSFAS reaffirmed its commitment to supporting eligible students in a timely and efficient manner and urged all institutions to adhere strictly to data submission deadlines to prevent future disruptions.

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