Stellenbosch University students threaten to escalate protests over financial blocks

Stellenbosch University (SU) says it has lifted more than 8 000 financial blocks and increased student debt support to R15 million, as student organisations continue to press for broader relief ahead of the February 27 registration deadline.

A three-day protest over registration blocks, historical debt and accommodation concerns concluded on campus on Friday, with students handing over a memorandum of demands to university management.

In their memorandum, students call for the unconditional lifting of NSFAS-related and historical debt registration blocks, including for those listed as provisionally funded; a revised approach to accumulated historical debt; assurances that no student will be excluded from residence while funding matters remain unresolved; and clearer, time-bound engagement from university management. Concerns were also raised about student safety linked to accommodation placements.

Alysa-Abby Kekana, chairperson of the South African Students Congress( SASCO) Western Cape, said students expect a response from management by 1pm on Monday.

“Should there not be a response by that particular time, we would intensify our actions. That we made very clear,” she said.

Kekana said students expanded their memorandum during the protest to incorporate additional input, particularly relating to safety and accommodation.

“We received additions, particularly pertaining to student safety and how the accommodation crisis links with that with students being placed far away in unsafe areas and not necessarily having secure means to get to campus.”

She also raised concerns about the eligibility criteria attached to the Student Debt Working Group (SWG).

“For example, if you have already received assistance from the SWG in previous years, you are not eligible to apply for it again. So again, that excludes quite a big group of missing middle students who cannot cover the historic debt and still cannot register.”

SU confirmed that 34 009 students have registered for the 2026 academic year, up from 33 613 reported on February 17 and that more than 95% of NSFAS-related financial blocks have now been lifted, compared to 90% earlier in the week.

“Stellenbosch University has lifted more than 8 000 financial blocks for academically deserving students this year and reopened further funding avenues to ensure returning students can register for 2026,” said Martin Viljoen, spokesperson for SU.

He said funding through the Student Debt Working Group had been increased from more than R10 million to more than R15 million, with applications reopened for a limited period.

“These steps reflect SU’s commitment to removing barriers to student success, alongside an ongoing focus on quality accommodation and wellbeing services,” Viljoen said.

Under SU’s current debt cap arrangement, students with outstanding balances of R10 000 or less may register after signing an acknowledgement of debt and agreeing to a structured payment plan. The registration deadline has been extended to February 27 for students awaiting funding outcomes, and temporary access to SUNLearn has been granted to students whose financial matters are still being resolved.

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