What Level of Postgraduate Students Does the NSFAS Loan Intend to Fund?

In 2024, NSFAS introduced the Missing Middle Loan as part of its Comprehensive Student Funding Model. This loan is designed to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students who do not qualify for NSFAS bursaries due to their household income.

Postgraduate Funding:

The NSFAS Missing Middle Loan aims to fund a broad range of postgraduate qualifications. According to Vuyokazi Mafilika, NSFAS’s Strategic Enablement Executive, the scheme intends to cover both coursework and research-based postgraduate programs. NSFAS is also working with the Department of Higher Education to expand funding options for postgraduate students, particularly those pursuing research qualifications.

Loan Features:

Students approved for the loan must sign a loan agreement with NSFAS.
Up to 50% of the loan can be converted into a bursary if students perform well academically.
Students who are rejected for NSFAS bursaries will automatically be re-assessed for the missing middle loan.

Focus Areas:

STEM Programs: 70% of the beneficiaries will come from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Humanities and Social Sciences: The remaining 30% will be allocated to students in these areas of study.
This initiative is a significant step in providing financial support to students in the missing middle income bracket, ensuring more access to education across various fields.