Date : 20 January 2025
From : South African Medical Students Union (SAMSU)
Subject : SAMSU Statement on the 12-Month NSFAS Allowances
Dear Colleagues,
The South African Medical Students Union (SAMSU) is elated to announce a monumental victory for health profession students across South Africa. After relentless and passionate advocacy,
SAMSU has successfully secured the alignment of NSFAS monthly allowances with the 12-month academic year for all health professions students, including medical students. This critical adjustment ensures that students will now receive their NSFAS allowances for the entire duration of their studies, providing a significant boost to both their financial security and overall well-being.
Historically, NSFAS only provided allowances for 10 months, leaving medical and other health profession students unsupported during the crucial months of January and December. This funding gap has been shown to severely impact students’ mental health, academic
performance, and physical well-being. Financial hardship is a well-documented factor contributing to the high suicide rates among medical students, making this change a vital step towards safeguarding student welfare.
SAMSU is immensely grateful to the Chief Executive Officer of Universities South Africa (USAf), Dr. Phethiwe Matutu, the Chairperson of the South African Committee of Medical Deans (SACOMD), Prof. Zukiswa Zingela, and the Administrator of the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Mr. Freeman Nomvalo. Their steadfast support has been pivotal in securing this alignment, ensuring that NSFAS allowances are now in line with the full academic cycle. This means that health profession students will receive financial support for the full 12 months they
spend at university.
Key Highlights:
- NSFAS allowances for health profession students are now aligned with the full 12-month academic year.
- Payments for 2025 allowances were made to universities on 10 January 2025.
- The SAMSU Branch Leadership Teams at all ten medical schools will engage with their respective financial aid offices and health sciences deans to facilitate the disbursement of January allowances from as early as possible.
This achievement is the result of tireless collaboration between SAMSU, our members, SAMATU, media houses, NSFAS, USAf, and SACOMD. Together, we have created a lasting impact on the financial stability and mental well-being of medical and health profession students, ensuring that they can continue their studies without the looming burden of financial insecurity.
SAMSU remains committed to supporting our members and advocating for changes that enhance the quality of education, well-being, and future of our medical professionals. This victory is a powerful reminder of the strength of collective action and the power of student-led
advocacy.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this achievement, and we look forward to the continued success of this initiative in shaping the future of higher education for health professionals
Issued by:
Ambrose Lekalakala
Secretary General
South African Medical Students Union (SAMSU)
For inquiries, please contact:
INQ: 060 836 870