Funza Lushaka R500M Unclaimed - Deadline 13 Sept 2026
BREAKING: Over R500 MILLION in Funza Lushaka bursary funds remains UNCLAIMED because universities have not submitted claims. Deadline is TOMORROW 13 September 2026.
R222.7 Million Just Paid - 30 August 2026
NSFAS paid R222,688,894 to 6 universities for 2,927 Funza Lushaka teaching students after Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim intervention. Money went to:
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- North-West University (NWU)
- University of Fort Hare (UFH)
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
Universities must now pay allowances to students without delay. Many students waited months.
R295 Million For September + R500M Unclaimed
NSFAS says for August, claims totalling R295,988,585 for 3,095 students have been uploaded for September payment cycle. These will be paid in September through normal process (4 weeks verification).
But over R500 million remains unclaimed. Universities have not submitted claims. Deadline to submit for October payment is 13 September 2026 - TOMORROW.
Deputy Minister Warning
Cassim: "These payments must now reach students without delay so they can focus on their studies and not have to worry about outstanding allowances that have been pending for months."
He ordered NSFAS to write to all institutions to confirm allowances will be paid and claims submitted by 13 Sept deadline.
What Funza Lushaka Students Must Do TODAY
- If you are at CUT, NWU, UFH, UL, UP, UNISA - check university portal NOW, R222.7M should reflect next week
- If you are at other 17 universities - contact Financial Aid Office TODAY and ask: Did you submit Funza Lushaka claim for me before 13 Sept deadline?
- If not submitted by tomorrow, you will wait until November payment - workshop to fix system scheduled November 2026
- Total 2026 allocation: R1.3 BILLION for 23 universities covering tuition, accommodation, meals, books, living allowance
Source: SAnews.gov.za 30 Aug 2026, Ministry of Higher Education and Training, TimesLIVE. Verified 12 Sept 2026. Contact NSFAS 0800 067 327 or Funza Lushaka 012 357 3000.
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