Glitches loom as varsities prepare for influx

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Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), University of Fort Hare (UFH), Rhodes University and Walter Sisulu University (WSU) are geared up to welcome some of the 31,774 former matrics who passed with bachelor and diploma entries when varsity lectures start on 9 February.

Though Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande this week announced that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) purse had grown to R9.5 billion, universities are anticipating funding hassles as the scheme has previously struggled to finance every deserving student.

UFH is expecting 2,800 first year students to its three campuses in East London, Alice and Bhisho when registration gets under way on Monday.

UFH spokesman Khotso Moabi said while all was on track for a smooth start, they were anticipating some glitches around student accounts and financial aid, and those whose results had been withheld due to the group copying investigation.

"Prospective students who have been provisionally admitted and have NSCs [national senior certificates] from the schools which are under investigation by the DoE [Education Department] for cheating could also pose a problem."

At NMMU, nearly 6,000 students are expected this year, with more than 5,800 already admitted by 8 January.

Spokeswoman Roslyn Baatjies said NMMU was set to welcome its first year students next Saturday at an annual orientation and faculty meet and greet.

Baatjies conceded that while the university had taken all precautions to ensure a glitch-free start, funding issues could this year again be a problem.

"In many cases students apply for funding late and due to the limited funds available, some students quit their studies. We will, however, do everything possible to assist."

WSU spokeswoman Angela Church said the university had received more than 22,000 applications, and 6,841 spaces were reserved for first-time students.

Rhodes University spokeswoman Catherine Deiner said the university was on track to welcome its 1,800 first years and its returning students when their year starts on 16 February.

"The university is ready as always for the influx of students. Arrangements for new and senior students are in place as for previous years," she said.