NPA confirms investigation into 1,055 parents over R126 million in unqualified NSFAS funding

Over 1,000 parents and unqualified students who received NSFAS funding have signed acknowledgements of debt as the SIU refers cases of alleged fraud to the NPA for possible prosecution. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it has received referrals from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following the recovery of more thanR126 millionfrom parents and unqualified National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries for possible prosecution. The SIU recently announced it had recovered R126,478,184.64 from 1,055 parents and unqualified beneficiaries who received NSFAS funding despite not qualifying.

These individuals signed acknowledgements of debt (AoDs), agreeing to repay the funds over time. The recovery forms part of more than R2 billion the SIU has recouped to date from institutions of higher learning and unqualified former NSFAS beneficiaries. Of this amount, R1.7 billion was returned by universities, TVET colleges and students who did not qualify for funding.

In a media release issued last week on Tuesday, the SIU said the recovery coincides with the start of the 2026 academic year, as students register at higher education institutions across the country. The funds relate to unallocated NSFAS money from 2016 to 2021.