Education updates you need now: matric schedule, NSFAS 2025 and Nairobi leadership

Quick heads-up: if you care about South African schools and universities, three stories matter today — the 2024 matric exam timetable, NSFAS opening 2025 funding applications, and a leadership shake-up at the University of Nairobi. Each one affects students, parents, and staff differently, so here’s what to know and what to do next.

Top stories at a glance

Matric exams: The 2024 matric final exams are under way. NSC and IEB students started their exams in October — NSC and IEB had key papers early (NSC began October 21 with English and Afrikaans; IEB started on October 16 with CAT). There’s a break day on October 31, and exams wrap up on November 28. If you’re sitting papers, double-check your exam venues, arrival times, and required ID and stationery now.

NSFAS 2025: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has opened applications for 2025. If your household income is R350,000 or less, you may qualify for tuition, accommodation and study-related support. Apply online using a myNSFAS account and prepare scanned IDs, proof of income and academic documents. The official page hasn’t pinned a final deadline — apply early so you don’t miss out.

University of Nairobi leadership: The Vice-Chancellor post has been declared vacant amid ongoing disputes. The Public Service Commission is moving to stabilise the university and is also inviting applications for Deputy VC roles, with a closing date of February 11, 2025. Staff and students should watch official university and PSC channels for further steps and transitional plans.

What students and parents should do now

For matric students: make a simple checklist — exam timetable printout, ID, approved calculator (if allowed), extra pens and water, and a study plan that prioritises weak subjects. Small daily targets beat last-minute cramming.

For NSFAS applicants: create or log into your myNSFAS account, upload required documents, and keep a screenshot of submissions. If you need help, contact your school’s bursary office or the NSFAS call centre early rather than waiting for application problems to pile up.

For University of Nairobi staff and students: expect updates from the university registry and the Public Service Commission. If you rely on university services (housing, registration, research funding), reach out to your faculty admin for contingency guidance and keep copies of any official notices.

African EduNews Tree will keep tracking these stories and post details as they change. Want the deepest updates? Check the full reports on our site, subscribe for alerts, or follow our education feed so you don’t miss important deadlines and announcements.