CAPE TOWN - The University of Cape Town says its preliminary analysis shows that over R1 billion was spent on undergraduate and postgraduate student funding in 2017.

A statement issued on behalf of this university has revealed that R738 million on undergraduate financial aid and assisting with historic student debt. "This is an increase of just over R100 million compared to 2016, when a total of R626 million was provided for undergraduate financial aid," the statement read.

Contributory efforts for these funds came from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS); UCT’s own funds; and corporate, government and philanthropic sponsors.

Also read: How to get unblocked from all your WhatsApp 'enemies'

An unaudited total of R353 million was distributed for postgraduate funding in 2017. The university said that this money came from many sources, including UCT’s own funds, academic department allocations, the National Research Foundation, postgraduate bursaries linked to research programmes, and donated funds.