Communication to students – disbursement of allowances

The disbursement of student allowances commenced on 17 February 2025 for confirmed funded students:

1. The NSFAS list (which is still not finalised) currently reflects about 4 900 NSFAS funded students, of which approximately 1900 are First Time Entering Students (FTEN).
2. An estimated 900 FTENs have been paid their Book Allowances and their February and March Meal Allowances.
3. An estimated 2900 Returning Students have been paid their Book Allowances and their February and March Meal Allowances.
4. This means that a large portion of funded students have already been paid.

The process of allowance disbursements is continuing and will continue until all funded students have been paid, as has been communicated on various platforms. 

There are, however, several important facts and outstanding issues that need to be emphasised, such as:

1. It is imperative that students understand that the University disburses allowances to NSFAS students based on the list of funded students received from NSFAS. If a student’s name does not appear on the 2025 funded list, follow up actions need to be undertaken directly with NSFAS by staff in the Finance Department, and a resolution may take some time. Allowances cannot be distributed to students who are not on the NSFAS list. In certain cases, NSFAS has not continued to fund students in 2025 based on poor academic performance in 2024.
2. The final FUNZA Lushaka selection for 2025 have not yet been finalised. This will be dependent on the decision of the selection committee and over which the University has no control.
3. All other allowances are being disbursed in accordance with the individual funder rules.
4. Many enquiries are received daily and students are urged to ensure that they provide all the relevant required information in order for the Financial Aid Office staff to respond appropriately and timeously:

• Name and Surname
• Student number
• Year of study and course registered for
• Funder information
• Any modules failed in the previous year (where applicable)

NB! Students should refrain from sending numerous follow-up emails. This only delays the process.

6. If FTENs have not yet captured their banking details on the ITS system, please refer to the online Banking Details guidelines and capture the details accordingly and without delay.