The latest NRF funding has left many postgraduate students at Wits University facing financial hardship
and deregistration due to funding shortfalls.
Postgraduate students who were expecting funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) have
been left in a lurch after the funder informed them there will be no funding this year.
The NRF which funds postgraduate students informed many students that despite meeting all the
requirements, they could not be funded due to lack of funds.
The most affected are Honours students who only received communication on February 27, some
having already enrolled and taken up expensive Wits residence. Students spoke about the hardships
they now face.
“The NRF funding outcome has made me wonder about my academic future. The stress of financial
uncertainty can be too much to handle and the fact that I have no support from home makes things
worse,” said Zama Ncwane, a postgraduate student.
Another student, Mamazibuko Maseko lamented the high cost of accommodation. “The
accommodation fees are exorbitant, and it’s difficult to afford on a limited budget,” she said.
Academic life is now a struggle for many. “I struggle to concentrate in class due to constant fee
statements showing I owe Wits, making me worry about potential deregistration,” said Mbalenhle
Sauls.
Responding to the students’ grievances, the NRF designated authority at Wits, Mr. Ndhuvazi Kubayi,
revealed that the funding process is more complex than many people realize.
“A total of 80% of funds are allocated to STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics)
students and just 20% to those in commerce, law, management (CLM) and humanities”, said Mr. Kubayi.
Applicants must achieve a minimum of 65% and submit all required documents. Humanities and CLM
students face difficulties in securing alternative funding sources, while STEM students have more
options available to them.
The NRF is expected to meet with the SRC and the Wits postgraduate committee to discuss possible
solutions to the ongoing funding crisis.
Photo :Nomfundo Zungu
FEATURED IMAGE: Fee statement for a postgraduate who owe Wits due to not getting NRF funding. Photo: Nomfundo Zungu
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