Ever heard someone talk about the “missing middle”? In South Africa’s student funding world, that phrase refers to a group of students stuck in financial limbo. Their families make too much to qualify for full NSFAS bursaries, but not enough to comfortably cover university costs. In 2025, NSFAS is rolling out a new Missing Middle Loan Scheme to give them a fighting chance. Let’s break it down.
Who Can Apply for the Missing Middle Loan?
You might ask: am I one of those “missing middle” students? Here’s what NSFAS says:
Your household income must be between R350,000 and R600,000 per year.
You must be accepted to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
The study program (this includes undergraduate or postgraduate) must be approved for funding under the NSFAS loan scheme.
You’ll need to accept a loan agreement and submit a consent form, which allows NSFAS to validate your details using third-party sources.
If your situation changes (for example, your household income drops or you fail to meet academic criteria), NSFAS may revisit your eligibility.
What Does the Loan Cover (and What Doesn’t)?
This isn’t just a loan for tuition — NSFAS aims to help more than just the registration fee.
Here’s what the missing middle loan may cover:
Tuition fees (or registration fees) for the approved qualification.
Accommodation, study materials, and equipment if those are approved costs by the institution.
But be aware:
The amount you receive depends on how much your institution requires for those items — so it may not always cover everything.
Continued access to the loan depends on your academic performance (e.g. you may need to pass a certain percentage) and staying within the financial-eligibility band.
Repayment Terms — What to Expect
It’s a loan, so yes — repayment is expected. But NSFAS has conditions to soften the burden for students:
Repayment only starts once you are employed and earning above a threshold.
The repayment period can extend up to 60 months (i.e. five years).
You’re allowed to prepay or settle the full balance early, without penalty.
If your income stays low, your monthly repayments will be low too.
If you breach rules (e.g. incorrect info, failing courses, leaving your program), NSFAS might call in the loan early or withhold funds.
How to Apply (and When)
Good news — applying won’t be mysterious.
You’ll use the myNSFAS portal to apply online: create a profile, fill the form, upload documents, submit.
The application window opens in cycles (annual, semester or trimester) depending on your course type.
Even before your matric results arrive, you can apply.
Once you apply, track your status on the portal — “Under Review”, “Approved”, “Rejected”, etc.
If your application is rejected, you can appeal by providing proof or showing that your income changed or your academic results were mishandled.
Tip: Apply early, double-check your documents, and don’t wait until the last minute. NSFAS has had capacity problems in past years.
Challenges and Things to Watch Out For
As with any new scheme, there are bumps. Here are some risks and caveats:
In 2024, NSFAS received over 22,900 missing middle applications, but only around 139 were provisionally approved. That points to capacity or eligibility bottlenecks.
Students and families have voiced frustration over technical issues, long waits, and unclear communication.
The academic performance criteria (such as achieving 60 % or passing certain modules) mean that underperformance can cost you your funding.
The budget is limited. The government allocated about R3.8 billion for these loans in the initial years, which may not go far if demand is high.
So the system is promising — but not perfect. Be prepared for delays and to make a strong case if you need to appeal.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NSFAS Missing Middle Loan Scheme is a bold move to support students who’ve been stuck in financial limbo. If you fall into that middle band, this could be your ticket to higher education without drowning in debt. But remember: you’ll need to meet the financial and academic criteria, apply carefully, and stay on top of your performance.
If you plan to apply, don’t wait. Read the guidelines, prepare your documents, and get in early. You’ve got this — and this scheme might just give you the push you need.
FAQs
What does “missing middle” mean?
It refers to students whose families earn too much to get bursaries but not enough to fully afford university costs.
Do I pay interest on the NSFAS missing middle loan?
Yes, interest can apply, but the terms are structured so you only repay once you’re employed.
Can part of the loan become a bursary (i.e. forgiven)?
Yes, in certain cases up to 50 % of your loan may be converted to a bursary if you perform well academically.
What happens if I fail my courses or stop studying?
NSFAS may stop your funding, require repayment, or withdraw support.
If my household income changes, what should I do?
You must inform NSFAS. If your income falls below or exceeds thresholds, your eligibility might be reassessed.