Beyond NSFAS: planning when the funding model is under strain
5 June 2026
For more than a decade, NSFAS has been the backbone of student funding in South Africa, supporting well over half of all undergraduates. But in 2026 the strain is showing — and for families planning their children’s studies, that uncertainty is unsettling.
What’s happening
The Minister of Higher Education has openly described the current funding model as “unsustainable”. Administrative pressures have had real human consequences: thousands of students have faced disruptions during “gap” verification processes, with some reporting hunger and housing insecurity while their funding was reviewed. At the same time, the new loan scheme for the missing middle has seen very low take-up. None of this means support is disappearing — but it does mean families can no longer assume a single source will cover everything, on time, every year.
What families can do
A few practical steps go a long way:
- Apply early and apply widely. Don’t rely on one funding source. Combine bursaries, grants and loans where you can.
- Budget for the full cost. Fees rose again in 2026 (tuition capped near 4.15%, accommodation near 5.7%) — and accommodation, transport and materials add up.
- Have a backup. If government funding is delayed or declined, know in advance what your alternative is, so a registration deadline doesn’t cost you the year.
- Borrow deliberately. A well-structured study loan tied to an employable qualification is a planned investment, not a panic decision.
Where alternative funding fits
Manati exists to be that reliable backup — and, for many, the primary route. We provide individually-assessed study loans for students who fall outside government support or need to close a gap, with repayment structured to suit your circumstances so it stays manageable.
When the system is under strain, a clear plan is the best protection. If you’d like help mapping out yours, we’re a conversation away.
Figures cited are drawn from public reporting on NSFAS and South African higher-education funding (2025–2026).