Msindisi Fengu Share University students are being left behind this year due to funding challenges at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Picture: Getty Images Some universities are reportedly still owed millions by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) for the 2020 academic year. This comes as most universities, especially historically disadvantaged institutions, whose 2020 academic year had been extended until the end of this month, must deal with newcomers who depend on Nsfas funding. This has implications for the financial viability of institutions and for students, whose qualifications are only released once their bills have been settled. Nsfas remains a common cause for despair across the higher education sector.