The NSFAS serves as a vital instrument in guaranteeing that deserving students can access higher education, irrespective of their financial circumstances. By drawing on a diverse range of resources, such as government funding, private sector involvement, donor assistance, repayments from recipients, and investment earnings, the organization can extend essential financial aid to countless students annually.

The efficacy of the NSFAS model underscores the significance of fostering cooperation between public and private entities and highlights the necessity of investing in education to stimulate social and economic progress.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government organization that aims to provide financial assistance to eligible students who are unable to afford the costs of tertiary education. As the cost of higher education continues to rise, the demand for financial support has increased, and the role of NSFAS has become even more crucial. This article will explore the various funding sources that contribute to the NSFAS budget for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Who Funds Nsfas 2025/2026

The following are the various sectors that provide funding for Nsfas:

Government Funding:

• The South African government is the primary source of funding for NSFAS. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) allocates a substantial portion of its budget to the financial aid scheme to support the country’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all citizens. In the 2025/2026 academic year, the government has increased its allocation to NSFAS to cater to the rising number of students requiring financial assistance.

The Skills Levy:

• The Skills Levy, a tax imposed on South African companies to promote skills development and training, is another significant source of funding for NSFAS. Employers contribute a percentage of their payroll to the Skills Development Fund (SDF), which in turn allocates a portion of these funds to NSFAS. This contribution ensures that the private sector plays an active role in supporting the education and skills development of the country’s future workforce.

Read: How often NSFAS funding

Donor and Partner Contributions:

• NSFAS also receives financial support from various local and international donors, philanthropic organizations, and private companies that recognize the importance of education and wish to contribute to the development of South Africa’s human capital. These donations help to supplement the government’s contributions and ensure that more students have access to tertiary education.

Repayments from Beneficiaries:

• NSFAS operates on a loan and bursary model, with some students receiving loans that need to be repaid once they start earning an income above a specific threshold. The repayments from these beneficiaries are reinvested into the fund, allowing NSFAS to continue providing financial support to future generations of students. This revolving funding model helps to sustain the scheme and ensure its longevity.

Investment Income:

• To further supplement its funding, NSFAS invests a portion of its financial resources in low-risk investment vehicles. The interest and returns generated from these investments are then used to bolster the organization’s financial capacity to support more students.

Read Also: How To Cancel Nsfas Registration Online 2024/2025

• Telephone: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Hope the information given above has been useful to you, if you have any suggestions kindly leave them in the comment section provided below the post. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more details.

RELATED LINKS:

which courses does nsfas fund
nsfas qualifications
Is NSFAS a bursary or loan