Universities SA warns new student loan scheme poses risk to NSFAS
New loan scheme for ‘missing middle’ students could overwhelm already challenged NSFAS, sector’s key association for universities warns
The government’s surprise announcement that it will implement a new loan scheme for students for the 2024 academic year poses risks to higher education institutions and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the sector’s key association for universities warned on Monday.
On Sunday, higher education, science & innovation minister Blade Nzimande announced the government would provide loans to students from the “missing middle”. These are students who are not eligible for NSFAS grants because they come from households with an annual income above the R350,000 threshold for qualifying for free higher education, but cannot afford to cover the costs themselves...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.