ZAMany South African postgraduate students face severe financial challenges due to limited government support and highly competitive institutional bursaries. Despite increases in overall funding from organizations like the National Research Foundation (NRF), fewer students are receiving grants as resources are concentrated into larger individual awards. As a result, many students are forced to take on entrepreneurial activities—such as selling baked goods or other items—to cover their living expenses and tuition fees. Some graduates are unable to collect their qualifications due to outstanding debts, with over 165,000 individuals reportedly affected and total student debt estimated at R59 billion. Students describe the burden of balancing academic work with income-generating activities, highlighting the lack of adequate financial aid programs like NSFAS for postgraduate learners.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the systemic issues facing postgraduate students in South Africa, citing both the limitations of current funding mechanisms and the personal experiences of students who have turned to entrepreneurship. It references official reports and includes direct quotes,
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