national student financial aid scheme

In the latest cabinet meeting held on 13 January, ministers discussed the state of South Africa's economy and funding for universities. It indicated that dealing with these challenges appropriately can bring great opportunities for the country.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has increased its budget for bursaries and loans for tertiary education by more than R1-billion. The cash will be used for first- time and continuing university students and those at technical and vocational education and training colleges.

Education continues to receive the lion's share of South Africa's national Budget, with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announcing on Wednesday that 20 percent of government expenditure for 2014/15 will go to education, amounting to R254-billion.