Nkabane says even with budget increase over next 3 years, DHET may not meet growing demand
The higher education minister also told MPs during her department’s budget vote that the R47 billion allocation for student funding, through the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS), was also insufficient.
Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane delivered the department's budget vote speech before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), held in the NCOP Chamber at Parliament, in Cape Town on 1 July 2025. Picture: @HigherEduGovZA/X
CAPE TOWN - Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said her department’s budget will increase over the next three years, but it still won’t be sufficient.
Nkabane also told MPs during her department’s budget vote that the R47 billion allocation for student funding, through the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS), was also insufficient.
Nkabane tabled her department’s budget in the National Assembly on Thursday, which stands at R142 billion.
But she warned that the department might not be able to cover all students in the sector due to the growing demand.
"It increases to R150 billion in the next financial year (2026/2027) and to R158 billion in 2027/28. In real terms, this growth is not sufficient to meet growing demands for additional resources."
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