DASO UFS Vows to Challenge University’s Decision to End Provisional Registration from 2026
Bloemfontein, 07 October 2025 – The Democratic Alliance Students Organisation at the University of the Free State has announced plans to fight the university’s move to stop provisional registration starting in 2026. DASO says this change will hurt students from poor families who rely on funding like bursaries, making it harder for them to start their studies. The group will use all formal ways to push back, calling the decision unfair and harmful to young people’s futures.
This comes after the university shared its new rule, which has already sparked anger among students worried about being shut out. Provisional registration lets learners sign up while waiting for money from places like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Without it, many might miss out if funding comes late. DASO’s stand highlights bigger worries about access to higher education in South Africa, where money problems often block the path for those from tough backgrounds. As talks heat up, the university has yet to respond to the challenge, but students hope for a rethink to keep doors open for all.
The announcement from DASO follows the university’s quiet rollout of the policy change, which has left many feeling caught off guard. With thousands of spots at stake each year, this could change how young people from rural and low-income areas chase their dreams.
DASO’s Strong Stance Against the Policy
In a statement released today, DASO UFS Institutional Chairperson Wannè Andrews said the group will act fast to oppose the decision. They plan to use talks, petitions and other democratic steps to make sure poor students are not left behind.
“This decision is a regressive and damaging policy that infringes upon the constitutional right to basic education and gambles with the futures of thousands of students, ultimately undermining the backbone of our country’s economy,” Andrews said.
He added that the change creates a barrier for working-class families, who often face delays in getting bursary money. Without provisional registration, students must have full funding ready before signing up, which could lock out many who depend on schemes like NSFAS.
Andrews stressed the Democratic Alliance’s values of freedom, fairness and opportunity. “It strips students of the freedom to pursue education without being penalised for circumstances beyond their control; it is profoundly unfair, privileging those with upfront capital while punishing those from less affluent backgrounds,” he explained.
The group demands the university pause the rule and talk with all student bodies to find a better way. They say a university should help lift people up, not build walls based on money.
Why the University Made This Change
The University of the Free State has said it will end provisional registration from the 2026 academic year. This means students must sort out their fees and funding fully before they can register. The university wants to avoid money problems later, like unpaid bills that strain its budget.
But this has caused a big backlash. Students say it ignores real-life delays in funding, like slow NSFAS payouts that often come after registration deadlines. In past years, provisional spots let learners start classes while waiting, giving them a fair chance.
Social media is full of worry, with posts calling it a step back that hits poor families hardest. One student group said it could keep thousands out of university, widening the gap between rich and poor.
The policy ties into bigger talks about student funding in South Africa. NSFAS has faced its own issues, like late payments and glitches, leaving many in limbo. Without provisional options, more might drop out or not start at all.
Impact on Students from Disadvantaged Backgrounds
For many young people, university is the way out of poverty. But without help like provisional registration, that path gets tougher. DASO points out that this rule favours those who can pay upfront, creating an unfair system.
In Free State, where jobs are scarce and many families struggle, this could mean fewer locals at UFS. The university draws students from rural areas, where funding delays are common due to paperwork or system errors.
Andrews said: “By removing the critical lifeline of provisional registration, UFS is effectively shutting the doors of higher education to students who rely on delayed funding disbursements from institutions like NSFAS or other bursaries.”
He added that it goes against the Constitution’s promise of education for all, putting merit second to money.
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