Stellenbosch University Fee Block Protests Ignite Amid 2026 Registration Crunch

Students at Stellenbosch University (SU), one of South Africa's premier institutions, have launched a series of protests against fee blocks that are barring many from registering for the 2026 academic year. Known affectionately as Maties, these students, primarily led by the South African Students Congress (SASCO) Western Cape branch and the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC), began their demonstrations around February 18, 2026, planning a three-day action through Saturday. The unrest stems from longstanding financial hurdles exacerbated by delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding confirmations and accumulated historical debt, leaving hundreds in academic limbo as the registration deadline looms on February 27.

These Stellenbosch University fee block protests highlight a nationwide crisis in higher education access, where policies designed to ensure financial accountability clash with the realities of student poverty. As of mid-February, SU reported 33,613 students registered, including 23,655 undergraduates, but concerns persist for those still blocked. With over 400 students at risk of residence exclusion alone, the stakes are high for equitable education in post-apartheid South Africa.

Understanding Fee Blocks: SU's Strict Registration Policy Explained

A fee block, formally known as a financial block at Stellenbosch University, is a policy mechanism that prohibits students from registering for the new academic year if they have an outstanding balance on their Student Fees account from the previous year—in this case, 2025. This rule applies universally, regardless of academic merit, and blocks access to core systems like module selection, exams, and even the SUNLearn online platform until debts are cleared in full.

The registration process at SU for 2026 involves several steps: first, students log into the portal after installing the mandatory Microsoft Authenticator for multi-factor authentication; then, they confirm their program and modules; finally, they pay or acknowledge debts. For NSFAS-dependent students, provisional funding lists do not automatically lift blocks, creating a vicious cycle. Debts under R10,000 allow conditional registration with acknowledgment, but larger historical debts—built from prior NSFAS shortfalls or family hardships—remain barriers.

This policy, while protecting university finances, disproportionately affects low-income students from disadvantaged backgrounds, echoing debates on financial exclusion in South African higher education.

Root Causes: NSFAS Delays and the Burden of Historical Debt

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), a government initiative since 1991, provides comprehensive funding—covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and books—for students from households earning below R350,000 annually. In 2026, NSFAS aims to support over one million students, but persistent delays in disbursements and confirmations have fueled the crisis. Universities like SU categorize NSFAS recipients by risk levels (low, medium, high) based on academic performance and payment history, with ongoing mitigation exercises sending updates via student emails as of January 13, 2026.

Historical debt compounds the issue: pre-2018 NSFAS loans total R45 billion owed by former students, while current shortfalls from delayed tranches—like the R5,200 allowances—leave thousands hungry and unable to pay upfront fees. At SU, rising student debt threatens cash flow, part of a national trend where universities navigate between access and solvency.

• NSFAS first tranche paid February 1, 2026, but registration blocks persist for unconfirmed cases.
• Institutions owe NSFAS R11.94 billion from 2017-2023.
• R1.1 billion student debt as of September 2025 across major unis.

Student Demands and Protest Dynamics

SASCO chairperson Alysa-Abby Kekana voiced frustration: “Registration is set to close on the 27th, and given the amount of outstanding issues, it means that students will still not be assisted. It is not their own doing that they have fee blocks.” Demands include:

• Immediate lifting of all NSFAS-related fee blocks.
• Revised historical debt relief beyond the current R10,000 threshold.
• Guarantees against residence exclusion for 400+ students.
• SRC transparency on negotiations.

A memorandum was handed to management on Friday, February 20, amid chants and marches disrupting classes but remaining largely peaceful. Social media amplifies calls, with petitions on Change.org garnering support.

SU's Response: Engagements, Funds, and Extensions

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers addressed fees and protests in a video, affirming support for fee-free education for the poor but stressing sustainable funding needs state subsidies. The university has lifted blocks for over 90% of NSFAS students, allocated R10 million+ via the Student Debt Working Group, and extended the deadline to February 27.

Daily engagements with SRC, EFFSC, and SASCO since January, plus access to SUNLearn for unregistered students, show commitment. Alternatives like bank loans (Capitec, Nedbank) and platforms like Student Hero are promoted. SU urges peaceful protests without disruptions.Learn more on SU registration policies.

A National Crisis: Echoes at UCT, Wits, and Beyond

SU's turmoil mirrors unrest elsewhere. At the University of Cape Town (UCT), protests disrupted registration on February 16, affecting 1,400 self-funded students; one suspension followed entrance blockades. Wits protesters entered day five in Braamfontein, citing 9,000 prior exclusions. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) saw campus shutdowns with rubber bullets deployed over NSFAS woes.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) recommended a 4.15% fee hike for 2026, while the DA calls for accountability amid violence risks. This wave recalls #FeesMustFall (2015-2016), which secured NSFAS expansions but left systemic gaps.

Impacts on Students: Academic, Emotional, and Economic Toll

Fee-blocked students face de facto exclusion: no classes, no residences, mounting debt, and mental health strains. Many from rural or township backgrounds drop out, perpetuating inequality. Economically, delayed graduation hinders entry into South Africa's job-scarce market—consider exploring higher education jobs or university jobs for career stability.

Stats underscore severity: 500,000+ annual university rejections due to capacity/debt; NSFAS probes recover billions but delay aid. Families bear indirect costs, from lost wages to migration.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Balancing Access and Accountability

Students view blocks as punitive; management cites fiscal survival amid R786 million damages from past protests. Experts advocate hybrid solutions: phased debt write-offs, private-public funding partnerships. DHET praises SU readiness but urges NSFAS efficiency.NSFAS official site.

Pathways Forward: Solutions and Reforms

Short-term: Accelerate NSFAS verifications, expand SU's R10m fund. Long-term: Legislate debt forgiveness caps, boost TVET integration, incentivize alumni donations. Students can apply for loans via free resume templates for part-time work or check scholarships.

Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao on Unsplash

• Enhance NSFAS digital tracking to cut delays by 50%.
• University consortia for shared debt relief.
• Govt allocate R967m more for historic debts, as in past.

Future Outlook for South African Higher Education

As protests subside, 2026 could mark a turning point if reforms materialize. SU's high rankings (top 300 globally) risk tarnish without access equity. For aspiring academics, resources like higher ed career advice, Rate My Professor, and South African university jobs offer hope. Constructive dialogue promises inclusive progress.

Explore opportunities at faculty positions or admin roles to contribute to solutions.