NSFAS beneficiaries warned to be aware of misinformation about registration fees

NSFAS beneficiaries warned to be aware of misinformation about registration fees! The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has issued a strong warning to first-time university and college students to be cautious of misinformation regarding registration fees.

As the 2025 academic year begins, concerns have been raised about false claims suggesting that NSFAS does not cover registration fees, leading some students and parents to make unnecessary payments.

NSFAS Covers Registration Fees in Full

Education activist Hendrick Makaneta emphasized that NSFAS fully covers registration fees for all eligible students. He urged students and parents to verify information directly with official NSFAS channels rather than relying on misinformation spread by peers or social media.

“There have been increasing reports of students misleading their parents into borrowing money, sometimes even taking loans from loan sharks to cover registration costs that NSFAS already pays directly to universities and TVET colleges,” Makaneta said.

This warning comes after several cases where desperate parents were pressured into borrowing money unnecessarily under the false belief that registration fees must be paid upfront.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt

Makaneta expressed concern that some students were deliberately taking advantage of their parents’ lack of knowledge about the NSFAS funding process.

• Many parents, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are unfamiliar with how NSFAS funding works.
• Some students lie to their parents, claiming that they need extra money to pay for registration.
• In extreme cases, parents take loans from loan sharks or use their last savings to cover costs that NSFAS already pays for.

He urged parents to double-check with institutions and NSFAS before making any payments.

The Role of Universities and TVET Colleges

South African universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have also been called upon to educate students and parents about NSFAS policies.

Institutions must:

• Clearly communicate that NSFAS covers registration fees for approved students.
• Provide support desks to help students and parents understand NSFAS procedures.
• Ensure that fraudulent claims or misleading information are quickly addressed.

Universities and TVET colleges play a key role in ensuring that no student is unnecessarily burdened with debt due to misinformation.

The Risks of Taking Unnecessary Loans

Many families struggle financially, and borrowing money to pay for already covered expenses can have serious consequences:

• High-interest rates from loan sharks leave families in debt cycles.
• Parents may struggle to repay loans, affecting their financial stability.
• Students might misuse the extra money instead of spending it on actual academic needs.

Makaneta warned students against manipulating their parents for personal financial gain and urged responsibility and honesty when dealing with financial matters.

How to Verify NSFAS Funding

To avoid falling victim to misinformation, students and parents should:

1. Visit the official NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) for accurate information.
2. Contact their institution’s financial aid office for verification.
3. Check NSFAS social media pages for updates and announcements.
4. Avoid relying on word-of-mouth or unverified WhatsApp and Facebook messages.

NSFAS also has a toll-free helpline where students can call and confirm their funding status.

A Call for Greater Awareness

To prevent further exploitation of parents, Makaneta called for a national awareness campaign to:

• Educate first-time students and parents about NSFAS funding policies.
• Ensure universities and TVET colleges clearly communicate registration processes.
• Stop loan sharks from targeting vulnerable families by spreading false information.

Conclusion

The warning from NSFAS serves as a reminder that registration fees for funded students are fully covered.

Parents should not fall victim to misleading claims, and students must act responsibly and honestly when discussing financial aid with their families.

With proper awareness and verification, South African students can start the 2025 academic year without unnecessary financial stress or debt.