29 January 2026
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The University of the Free State (UFS) has noted media reports this week regarding the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) recovery of R1,7 billion from higher education institutions for the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The University of the Free State is pleased to confirm the successful conclusion of the NSFAS close-out project for the period 2017 to 2022, formally signed off by the university, NSFAS, and the SIU on 20 December 2025.
This milestone follows the UFS’ diligent collaboration with NSFAS to ensure that the full reconciliation of all student funding allocations and returns have been finalised and that all historical technical issues with student accounts have been resolved.
The University of the Free State is one of the first universities in South Africa to finalise this close-out process.
The successful completion of the close-out demonstrates the university’s unwavering commitment to sound financial governance, responsible stewardship of public funds, and ensuring that student financial aid processes remain transparent, credible, and aligned with national expectations.