A glimmer of hope for students

THE news from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) that it has processed all funding applications for the 2026 academic year is a huge relief for many students and their families across South Africa.

- 

For once, it feels like the system is ahead of the game instead of scrambling to catch up.For countless students, NSFAS isn't just another policy or budget item - it’s a matter of survival. It decides whether a young person can register for classes, afford meals, find a place to stay or, unfortunately, slip away from the higher education system altogether. That's why this announcement is so important, even if there are some caveats.