NSFAS 2025 Bursary System – In a groundbreaking move that is set to bring massive financial relief to thousands of South African students, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially announced its 2025 bursary debt forgiveness programme. According to the statement released on 6 July 2025, NSFAS has cancelled historical student debt for over 67,000 students enrolled in public universities and TVET colleges, under the newly structured NSFAS Debt Relief Model. This forgiveness initiative, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), is part of a wider effort to eliminate financial barriers that prevent deserving students from accessing higher education and graduating on time. Students with outstanding debt from the 2018–2022 academic years will now see their balances completely cleared—provided they meet the newly published NSFAS forgiveness criteria. The announcement has generated massive excitement across campuses, particularly among final-year students whose qualifications were held back due to unpaid tuition and accommodation fees. With the release of a full list of qualifying beneficiaries, NSFAS has brought long-awaited clarity to one of the most pressing student issues in the country. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the NSFAS 2025 bursary debt forgiveness system—including eligibility rules, who qualifies, how to check your name, and the key steps students must take to benefit.
What is the NSFAS Debt Forgiveness Programme 2025?
The new NSFAS debt relief initiative is a targeted effort to reduce historical debt for students who were previously funded but could not complete their studies due to unpaid fees.
- Only historical debt incurred between 2018 and 2022 is covered.
- The forgiveness applies to both tuition and accommodation arrears.
- Students must have been previously NSFAS-funded and met academic requirements.
- The scheme covers final-year and continuing students in public universities and TVET colleges.
- Funding is based on availability of updated academic records and registration data.
Key Conditions to Qualify for Debt Relief
To ensure the fairness and accuracy of the debt write-off, NSFAS outlined strict eligibility rules for all 67,000 beneficiaries:
- Must have been funded by NSFAS during the debt accumulation period (2018–2022).
- Must have passed at least 50% of their modules in each year.
- Must be currently registered in 2024 or 2025 for any undergraduate programme.
- Must not be over the NSFAS funding threshold (R350,000 annual household income).
- Must not have received previous debt relief for the same academic years.
Full List of NSFAS Debt Relief Beneficiaries Released
NSFAS has officially published a list of 67,000 approved students on its website and university portals. The list includes student ID numbers, names, and the institutions where they were enrolled.
Below is a sample of the debt-forgiveness data released:
| Student ID | Name | Institution | Year of Debt | Amount Cleared | Status | Updated Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018112345 | Thabo Mokoena | Wits University | 2019 | R48,320 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2020221938 | Amanda Dlamini | UCT | 2020 | R56,700 | Approved | Registered 2024 |
| 2019100021 | Sipho Zulu | Durban University Tech | 2018 | R38,900 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2020144573 | Lindiwe Khumalo | UNISA | 2021 | R42,150 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2018120089 | Nomsa Nkosi | TUT | 2022 | R61,780 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2021251133 | Kabelo Matlaila | UJ | 2021 | R35,000 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2020167742 | Zanele Dube | NWU | 2020 | R47,300 | Approved | Registered 2025 |
| 2019123456 | Tshepo Moloi | Stellenbosch University | 2019 | R59,800 | Approved | Registered 2024 |
How to Check If Your Name Is on the Beneficiary List
Students eager to find out whether they’ve been included in the debt relief programme can follow these simple steps.
Steps to Verify Your Inclusion
- Visit the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Click on the “Debt Relief 2025 Beneficiaries List” link on the homepage.
- Enter your ID number or NSFAS reference number in the search bar.
- Download the PDF file for your institution to verify your inclusion.
- Contact your university’s financial aid office if your name is missing or marked as “Pending”.
How to Claim NSFAS Debt Forgiveness If You’re Eligible
Once confirmed as a beneficiary, there are a few important next steps to finalise your debt cancellation.
What You Need to Do Next
- Ensure your 2024/2025 registration details are updated on the NSFAS portal.
- Submit a signed confirmation of registration letter from your institution.
- Upload any missing academic records or documents if prompted.
- Sign the debt relief agreement sent via email or student portal.
- Await final confirmation from NSFAS via SMS or email.
Institutions Covered Under the 2025 NSFAS Debt Relief
The forgiveness plan spans across all 26 public universities and over 50 TVET colleges in South Africa. NSFAS confirmed the largest share of beneficiaries were from:
| University/College | Number of Beneficiaries | Total Debt Cleared |
|---|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg | 6,230 | R310 million |
| Tshwane University of Tech | 5,980 | R275 million |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 4,810 | R260 million |
| UNISA | 5,100 | R295 million |
| Cape Peninsula Univ of Tech | 3,600 | R180 million |
| Wits University | 3,050 | R170 million |
| Walter Sisulu University | 4,300 | R210 million |
| All TVET Colleges Combined | 28,000 | R1.15 billion |
What Happens to Students Who Don’t Qualify?
For those students who were excluded from the relief list, NSFAS and DHET have confirmed there will be a secondary review process and possible appeal.
Appeal Process for Excluded Students
- Visit the NSFAS portal and login using your credentials.
- Click on “Appeals” and select “Debt Relief Reconsideration.”
- Upload proof of registration and academic transcripts for the years in question.
- Appeals must be submitted before 30 July 2025.
- NSFAS will respond to all appeals by 15 August 2025.
Alternatives for Non-Eligible Students
Students who do not qualify even after appeal may consider:
- Applying for NSFAS funding for 2025 academic year (if still eligible).
- Seeking institutional bursaries or hardship funds from their universities.
- Arranging flexible payment plans directly with the university finance office.
NSFAS’s 2025 debt forgiveness is being celebrated as a historic moment for South African higher education. With thousands of students finally able to graduate and move forward without the weight of historical debt, this initiative is more than just financial aid—it’s a lifeline for the future of a generation.
As always, students are advised to keep close contact with their institution’s financial aid office and check the NSFAS portal regularly for updates. Final debt clearance may take up to 30 working days to reflect on student records.
FAQs on NSFAS 2025 Debt Forgiveness Programme
1. Who qualifies for NSFAS debt forgiveness in 2025?
Students funded by NSFAS between 2018–2022 who meet academic and registration requirements.
2. How can I check if I’m on the beneficiary list?
Visit the NSFAS website, enter your ID or reference number, and check your institution’s list.
3. What documents are needed to confirm eligibility?
Proof of registration for 2024/2025 and past academic transcripts may be required.
4. Can I appeal if I was excluded from the list?
Yes, appeals can be submitted online until 30 July 2025.
5. Is there a deadline to complete the debt relief process?
Yes, all verification steps must be completed by 20 July 2025.