The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has cleared its name following claims circulating on social media, allegedly originating from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), that it was facing budget constraints.

The message in question further claimed that NSFAS had closed its 2025 registration portal due to these purported financial challenges.

NSFAS has dismissed these claims, stating that they are deceptive and do not reflect the scheme’s actual financial position or operational status.

In a statement, NSFAS said, “Should this statement have originated from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), the university is formally requested to issue an immediate correction”.

NSFAS confirmed issuing Circular Notice No. 4 of 2025 on 3 March. A cutoff date for the submission of registration data was shared with all universities, but many institutions failed to adhere to this.

On 6 May, the scheme successfully released student allowance payments to affected universities.

The scheme has assured stakeholders that all due processes were followed, with funds being successfully allocated.

NSFAS maintains it has no knowledge of any budget constraints that would affect student aid payments in 2025.