Student Survival 2025 | Funding delays and institutional barriers plague SA universities

The start of the academic year is notoriously chaotic for students in South Africa, as thousands of young people flock to universities across the country, facing numerous challenges that can make or break their academic journey. From accommodation shortages to funding delays, the struggles are persistent. But why do these issues continue, and what is being done to address them?

In an effort to understand the recurring challenges universities face at the start of each academic year, IOL spoke to various stakeholders, including the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Vaal University of Technology (VUT), the EFF Student Command, students, and university management.

Application Fees and Registration Hurdles

Vutshila Jerride Manganyi, former secretary-general of the EFF Student Command at Vaal University of Technology, said one of the main reasons for disruptions at the start of the academic year is that higher learning institutions insist on application fees—an expense many underprivileged students cannot afford.

“Some students pay the application fee, yet they are still rejected on the grounds that payment has not been received. As a result, they end up paying the fee twice or even three times,” Manganyi said.

Furthermore, even after making payments and being admitted, students often find their chosen courses already full when they attempt to register.

“Once their chosen courses are full, students are forced to submit late applications, which require them to pay the application fee again. As the EFF, we have continuously raised concerns about this issue,” he added.

“If a student has already paid the application fee twice, why can't the second payment be used to approve their late application instead of charging them again?” he asked.

Manganyi claims the institution has taken no action to resolve the issue.

Funding Delays and Communication Breakdown

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding delays and unpaid fees are among the other significant challenges students face.

Khomotso Nkadimeng, a prospective Vaal University of Technology student, had to travel from Daveyton to Vaal to enquire about his registration status, as NSFAS had not yet responded to him, and the registration period was nearing its end.

“I came here because NSFAS communication is unclear, and I needed to check whether I should pay the registration fee or if NSFAS had already paid it,” he said.

Shortly after speaking to IOL, Nkadimeng was assisted by an SRC member who confirmed his NSFAS status, stating he was provisionally funded. However, due to the lack of communication, he had not yet sought accommodation and would now have to begin his search.

Institutional Autonomy and Student Struggles

Siphosakhe “Sakhe” Nzuza, a South African Students Congress (SASCO) member and student leader at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), highlighted several critical issues facing South African students, including institutional autonomy and broader concerns about access to education.

One key issue, Nzuza said, is universities increasingly operating like businesses rather than educational institutions, creating a disconnect between management and students.

“When institutions act like companies, they protect themselves from students, putting up barriers during registration and enforcing policies that are harmful to students,” Nzuza said.

This, he explained, leaves many students—particularly those without accommodation—in vulnerable situations. Some end up sleeping outside university gates, exposed to crime.

The SRC has attempted to provide temporary housing for affected students, but university management has resisted, claiming these students are not yet officially enrolled.

Financial Constraints and Infrastructure Challenges

Nzuza also pointed out that financial constraints have worsened due to reduced funding from the national treasury.

Delays in NSFAS fund disbursement have created bottlenecks, preventing students from registering. With the increasing number of matriculants seeking tertiary education, Nzuza said universities’ infrastructure is not equipped to accommodate the growing demand.

The South African Students Union (SASU) has vowed to tackle these concerns at the government level, pushing for greater accountability and action.

“We need to fight against anti-student policies that aren't in our favour and ensure the government keeps its promises to students,” Nzuza emphasised.

Student Accommodation Shortages

Student accommodation remains a significant challenge, particularly for those from rural areas or distant provinces.

Nzuza noted that SASCO has proposed accrediting nearby buildings for use as student residences. Universities such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and Vaal University of Technology (VUT) have already made progress in this area. However, Nzuza stressed that government intervention is essential to ensure sufficient accommodation, particularly for first-year students after matric results are released.

Despite officials acknowledging the need for such action, Nzuza expressed frustration over the lack of concrete steps taken.

The SRC’s Role and the Fight for Free Education

The SRC plays a crucial role in university councils, advocating for student interests and proposing new ideas to management.

“We propose new ideas to management, discussing ways to improve the next academic year and ensure smooth operations,” Nzuza explained.

However, he lamented that while management often agrees to these proposals, implementation remains a persistent challenge.

A major concern for students is the delayed payment of NSFAS funds, which hinders the registration process. While universities claim they cannot assist students with unpaid fees from previous years, the SRC continues to fight on their behalf. Protests at the Department of Higher Education and other advocacy efforts have become common as students demand quicker resolutions and a fairer system.

Exploring External Funding and Long-Term Solutions

To ease the financial burden on students, some universities have sought external assistance from organisations such as the Motsepe Foundation. These initiatives prioritise academically strong students to ensure that support is given to those most likely to succeed.

However, Nzuza expressed frustration at the government’s failure to fully implement its promise of free, quality education.

“We were promised free education, but it has not yet been fully realised,” he said, highlighting the gap between political pledges and students’ lived experiences.

Innovative Solutions for Capacity and Access

Nzuza also shared innovative proposals to address capacity issues at South African universities. Among these is the idea of introducing dual shifts—day and night—to increase university capacity. Expanding online learning opportunities could also help alleviate pressure on campus facilities.

Another proposal calls for decentralising NSFAS offices so that each province, rather than only Cape Town, can cater to local students, making the application process more accessible.

However, despite these well-thought-out suggestions, Nzuza said many have been ignored.

A System in Crisis

The concerns raised by Nzuza reflect a broader crisis within South Africa’s higher education system. The combination of inadequate infrastructure, delayed financial support, and the failure to meet the rising demand for educational access creates significant barriers for students.

While student leaders continue to advocate for change through protests, negotiations, and public pressure, resolving these issues remains a challenge. The struggle for student rights and equitable access to education continues, highlighting the urgent need for government and universities to take decisive action.

IOL