Defunding by NSFAS leaves university students in a dilemma

The recent defunding of students by the National Financial Aid Student Scheme (NSFAS) has sent shockwaves across universities, leaving many students facing a dire situation.

In the middle of the academic year, thousands of students are now left without financial aid due to the scheme’s withdrawal of funding from those who were wrongfully funded.

In response to the crisis, universities are rallying together to embark on fundraising campaigns, seeking to assist the defunded students as well as those belonging to the so-called “missing middle” category.

The University of Pretoria (UP), for instance, has launched a fund-raising campaign urging students to contribute as little as R10. Now in its second year, the initiative has made a significant impact, benefiting students like accounting sciences student Lebohang Baleni.

Baleni expressed the significance of such efforts, saying, “My former classmates who were part of bursaries and failed had to go back home, they could not raise money to fund their tuition. If you can impact someone’s life, you are impacting society because they will graduate and come back to donate and help students who are struggling.”

Concerns over defunding of students by NSFAS

The funding shortfall has forced many students to consider putting their studies on hold. Naledi Maduma shared her experience of almost dropping out due to the struggle to pay her undergraduate fees. However, with external funding assistance, she managed to continue her education.

Reflecting on the distressing time, Maduma says, “I was so depressed, all day in pyjamas in my room crying, thinking of my future. I went through all these years trying to get my degree and postgraduate, and now I am not going to do that.”

Various universities throughout the country are now mobilising fundraising efforts to provide aid to the defunded students. The University of Pretoria aims to raise R100 million over the next three years to address the shortfall. Since commencing the campaign a year ago, the institution has managed to raise R13.2 million, with the funds primarily supporting students from the “missing middle” category.

While some universities can mobilise resources to assist their students, the situation may be more challenging for disadvantaged institutions, potentially leading to students returning home without their qualifications. As the impact of the defunding situation unfolds, universities continue their efforts to bridge the financial gap and support students in pursuing their educational goals.

EXPLAINER: Who are the ‘missing middle’?