National Treasury Addresses University Fees Shortfall and NSFAS Loan Repayment
What happened
National Treasury is exploring various mechanisms to fund the university fees shortfall. Minister Blade Nzimande announced that universities can individually decide on fee increases for the 2017 academic year, though the recommendation is that increases should not exceed 8%. Fees for students receiving aid from National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the “missing middle” will not increase in 2017. National Treasury also encouraged employed National Student Financial Aid Scheme beneficiaries to begin repaying their loans.
From sanews.gov.za
Why it matters
The government is working to find a funding solution for the university fees shortfall, which National Treasury plans to announce during the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on October 26, 2016. This effort involves National Treasury working with the Department of Higher Education and Training to address the financial gap.
From sanews.gov.za
Who's involved
- National TreasuryNational Treasury is exploring mechanisms to find funding for the university fees shortfall.
- National Student Financial Aid SchemeNational Student Financial Aid Scheme is the subject of the loan repayment encouragement and fee freeze.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- National Student Financial Aid SchemeSpeculative
National Treasury's policy on fees shortfall and loan repayment might impact National Student Financial Aid Scheme's funding model.
- National TreasurySpeculative
The need to find a complex funding mechanism could affect National Treasury's financial planning.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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National Treasury
treasury of South Africa
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National Student Financial Aid Scheme
South African government student financial aid scheme
Related events
- NSFAS funding supports students at Stellenbosch University, though funding shortfalls threaten university resources.
- Buti Manamela urged students to apply for NSFAS during a launch event held in Johannesburg.
- Students at the University of Nairobi protested and demanded financial commitment from the National Treasury.
- National Treasury made policy decisions in South Africa on July 9, 2026.
- Treasury announced funding details for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme for Parliament consideration.