

Manati - Alternate Student Funding
Based on recent customer reviews, Manati - Alternate Student Funding receives polarised feedback from students seeking alternative education funding. Customers consistently praise individual consultants for kindness, professionalism, and going the extra mile to finalise applications, with several reviewers highlighting standout service that helped them complete their studies. However, a recurring theme involves frustration with debit order timing, refund delays, and cancellation handling. Several students raise concerns around unclear contract terms, communication gaps regarding disbursements to institutions, and account managers perceived as dismissive when complaints are escalated.
TrustIndex
3.8
NPS Score
-34
Recommended: Unlikely
Sep '25 - Aug '26
Based on recent customer reviews, Manati - Alternate Student Funding receives polarised feedback from students seeking alternative education funding. Customers consistently praise individual consultants for kindness, professionalism, and going the extra mile to finalise applications, with several reviewers highlighting standout service that helped them complete their studies. However, a recurring theme involves frustration with debit order timing, refund delays, and cancellation handling. Several students raise concerns around unclear contract terms, communication gaps regarding disbursements to institutions, and account managers perceived as dismissive when complaints are escalated.
Manati - Alternate Student Funding has a TrustIndex of 3.8 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 12 reviews in the last 12 months.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Aug 2013
I had a very frustrating experience dealing with a Manati representative this morning regarding a complaint I had previously raised with Velelwa Mfobo at Eduvos concerning a refund. I usually receive very professional interactions with Manati representatives but not this morning. The call quality was poor, and I struggled to hear the representative properly. Despite this, she was contacting me in relation to the complaint I had submitted about Eduvos and the handling of my refund process. What was most disappointing, however, was the manner in which my concern was handled. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, I was told that I should not have taken the loan in the first place. This response was dismissive and unhelpful, especially given that my complaint relates to the fairness and transparency of how funding arrangements are structured between Manati and educational institutions such as Eduvos. The lady should remember she is employed because of people like me, who need Manati services, arrogancy wont take her anywhere, I wished I was able to pick up her name, but she was a coloured lady. My concern is not about my decision to take the loan, but about the lack of clear communication regarding upfront settlement arrangements at Eduvos and we are being billed on monthly basis and how refunds are processed through Manati rather than directly to sponsors. These are important details that should be clearly explained from the outset. Many clients rely on Manati for funding because they are unable to access NSFAS due to studying at private institutions. For this reason, I expected a more professional, respectful, and solution-oriented approach when raising concerns. Instead, I felt dismissed rather than assisted, which was extremely disappointing. I hope greater care is taken in future when handling client queries and complaints.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2013
I had a very frustrating experience dealing with a Manati representative this morning regarding a complaint I had previously raised with Velelwa Mfobo at Eduvos concerning a refund. I usually receive very professional interactions with Manati representatives but not this morning. The call quality was poor, and I struggled to hear the representative properly. Despite this, she was contacting me in relation to the complaint I had submitted about Eduvos and the handling of my refund process. What was most disappointing, however, was the manner in which my concern was handled. Instead of addressing the issue professionally, I was told that I should not have taken the loan in the first place. This response was dismissive and unhelpful, especially given that my complaint relates to the fairness and transparency of how funding arrangements are structured between Manati and educational institutions such as Eduvos. The lady should remember she is employed because of people like me, who need Manati services, arrogancy wont take her anywhere, I wished I was able to pick up her name, but she was a coloured lady. My concern is not about my decision to take the loan, but about the lack of clear communication regarding upfront settlement arrangements at Eduvos and we are being billed on monthly basis and how refunds are processed through Manati rather than directly to sponsors. These are important details that should be clearly explained from the outset. Many clients rely on Manati for funding because they are unable to access NSFAS due to studying at private institutions. For this reason, I expected a more professional, respectful, and solution-oriented approach when raising concerns. Instead, I felt dismissed rather than assisted, which was extremely disappointing. I hope greater care is taken in future when handling client queries and complaints.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2012
I am extremely frustrated with for repeatedly processing debit orders on the incorrect date. We have an agreement that the debit order should go off on the 25th of every month. However, Manati continues to process the debit order before the 25th, before my salary is paid. As a result of this, a recent debit order went off early on my account, and I was charged R150 in bank charges. This is completely unfair, as the debit order did not follow the agreed date, and I had no control over it. I have raised this issue, but I was told that nothing can be done. This response is unacceptable, especially since this is a repeated issue and not a once-off mistake. I should not be penalized financially for Manati’s failure to honour the agreed debit order date. I am requesting that Manati urgently: Refund the R150 bank charges Ensure that the debit order is processed strictly on the agreed date (25th of each month) Take accountability for the inconvenience caused If this matter is not resolved, I will have no choice but to escalate it further.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2012
I am extremely frustrated with for repeatedly processing debit orders on the incorrect date. We have an agreement that the debit order should go off on the 25th of every month. However, Manati continues to process the debit order before the 25th, before my salary is paid. As a result of this, a recent debit order went off early on my account, and I was charged R150 in bank charges. This is completely unfair, as the debit order did not follow the agreed date, and I had no control over it. I have raised this issue, but I was told that nothing can be done. This response is unacceptable, especially since this is a repeated issue and not a once-off mistake. I should not be penalized financially for Manati’s failure to honour the agreed debit order date. I am requesting that Manati urgently: Refund the R150 bank charges Ensure that the debit order is processed strictly on the agreed date (25th of each month) Take accountability for the inconvenience caused If this matter is not resolved, I will have no choice but to escalate it further.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Manati Students Alternative Funding deducted money from my account. I asked to change the institution through which I'm enrolling and asked that they make amendments on their end. There's no feedback. They are not responding to my emails. When I call, I can't get through to the account manager and she doesn't contact me back. They are not even saying anything about a refund since the deducted money from my account.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Manati Students Alternative Funding deducted money from my account. I asked to change the institution through which I'm enrolling and asked that they make amendments on their end. There's no feedback. They are not responding to my emails. When I call, I can't get through to the account manager and she doesn't contact me back. They are not even saying anything about a refund since the deducted money from my account.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2025
I am updating my previous 1-star review to 3 stars. Over the past few months, I have seen a marked improvement in how this institution handles my account and my communication preferences. Initially, I was skeptical when support began reaching out frequently to rectify the previous issues with account errors and debit irregularities. I suspected it might be a temporary tactic to have my negative feedback removed; however, they have remained consistent in their efforts for several months now. They are now respecting my boundaries and following up regularly. I haven't experienced any new billing or debit order errors since the initial dispute was settled. The support team has stayed in touch to ensure my account remains in good standing. I am changing my rating to reflect this positive trend. I’m keeping it at 3 stars because, while the current service is reliable, I believe it is important for fellow students to be aware of the initial administrative hurdles so they can stay on top of their own accounts. I hope to see this level of professionalism continue.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2025
I am updating my previous 1-star review to 3 stars. Over the past few months, I have seen a marked improvement in how this institution handles my account and my communication preferences. Initially, I was skeptical when support began reaching out frequently to rectify the previous issues with account errors and debit irregularities. I suspected it might be a temporary tactic to have my negative feedback removed; however, they have remained consistent in their efforts for several months now. They are now respecting my boundaries and following up regularly. I haven't experienced any new billing or debit order errors since the initial dispute was settled. The support team has stayed in touch to ensure my account remains in good standing. I am changing my rating to reflect this positive trend. I’m keeping it at 3 stars because, while the current service is reliable, I believe it is important for fellow students to be aware of the initial administrative hurdles so they can stay on top of their own accounts. I hope to see this level of professionalism continue.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
How I wish someone told me about how bad Manati student finance is. Last year I was using the funding for my fees with Manati student loan. This year requested for a cancellation due to financial crisis and due to the fact that I am not registered for 2026 with the institution that Manati was suppose to pay for my fees. Unfortunately we've been going back and forth with Manati. The debit order is still tracking my account am not even registered. I even requested to pause my studies at the institution due to not having means to pay for my studies.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
How I wish someone told me about how bad Manati student finance is. Last year I was using the funding for my fees with Manati student loan. This year requested for a cancellation due to financial crisis and due to the fact that I am not registered for 2026 with the institution that Manati was suppose to pay for my fees. Unfortunately we've been going back and forth with Manati. The debit order is still tracking my account am not even registered. I even requested to pause my studies at the institution due to not having means to pay for my studies.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
I had an amazing experience with Manati, with one of the consultants, Ms Pheliwe Tamba helping me with my application. She was incredibly kind, patient and professional throughout the entire process. Her guidance throughout the process , she is humble with great communication skills, She even assisted me after working hours just to make sure everything was completed correctly. My application was completed very quickly and smoothly thanks to her dedication and efficiency. She is absolutely exceptional at her job, honestly. If all services were like this, everything would be stress free. Highly recommend. We are on the final stage which is the administration part, my daughter can now attend her classes openly and in peace knowing very well that her fees are taken care off. Thank you again Manati, more especially Ms Pheliwe Tambo, the best of the best❤️🥳. Manati, Education key for students, irrespective of background. Happy single mom❤️ Ms Manana K *** Show quoted text Thank you kindly for the feedback. Hero wishes, Emma Frost Student Hero Applications Team Student Hero Logo ...proudly part of the Herosphere Under the auspices of the Herosphere, Student Hero and Study Loans 4U have joined our incredible forces to form South Africa’s largest student finance facilitation service, an initiative aimed to help more students to be their future self sooner. With now more than 10 years of experience, we are able to make learning about, applying or pre-qualifying for study funding from South Africa’s leading educational finance providers trouble-free, worry-free, for free. In addition to joining our experience, we are also consolidating our web domains and client management systems. In light hereof, please do not be alarmed if your dedicated agent alternates between brands during your application process, you remain in the same safe and capable hands. ____________________________ Original message: Karabo Manana *** 2026-02-19T17:44:12.582Z Re: How did it go with Manati and Fundi, Karabo? I had an amazing experience with Manati, with one of the consultants, Ms Pheliwe Tamba helping me with my application. She was incredibly kind, patient and professional throughout the entire process. Her guidance throughout the process , she is humble with great communication skills, She even assisted me after working hours just to make sure everything was completed correctly. My application was completed very quickly and smoothly thanks to her dedication and efficiency. She is absolutely exceptional at her job, honestly. If all services were like this, everything would be stress free. Highly recommend. We are on the final stage which is the administration part, my daughter can now attend her classes openly and in peace knowing very well that her fees are taken care off. Thank you again Manati, more especially Ms Pheliwe Tambo, the best of the best❤️🥳. Manati, Education key for students, irrespective of background. Happy single mom❤️
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
I had an amazing experience with Manati, with one of the consultants, Ms Pheliwe Tamba helping me with my application. She was incredibly kind, patient and professional throughout the entire process. Her guidance throughout the process , she is humble with great communication skills, She even assisted me after working hours just to make sure everything was completed correctly. My application was completed very quickly and smoothly thanks to her dedication and efficiency. She is absolutely exceptional at her job, honestly. If all services were like this, everything would be stress free. Highly recommend. We are on the final stage which is the administration part, my daughter can now attend her classes openly and in peace knowing very well that her fees are taken care off. Thank you again Manati, more especially Ms Pheliwe Tambo, the best of the best❤️🥳. Manati, Education key for students, irrespective of background. Happy single mom❤️ Ms Manana K *** Show quoted text Thank you kindly for the feedback. Hero wishes, Emma Frost Student Hero Applications Team Student Hero Logo ...proudly part of the Herosphere Under the auspices of the Herosphere, Student Hero and Study Loans 4U have joined our incredible forces to form South Africa’s largest student finance facilitation service, an initiative aimed to help more students to be their future self sooner. With now more than 10 years of experience, we are able to make learning about, applying or pre-qualifying for study funding from South Africa’s leading educational finance providers trouble-free, worry-free, for free. In addition to joining our experience, we are also consolidating our web domains and client management systems. In light hereof, please do not be alarmed if your dedicated agent alternates between brands during your application process, you remain in the same safe and capable hands. ____________________________ Original message: Karabo Manana *** 2026-02-19T17:44:12.582Z Re: How did it go with Manati and Fundi, Karabo? I had an amazing experience with Manati, with one of the consultants, Ms Pheliwe Tamba helping me with my application. She was incredibly kind, patient and professional throughout the entire process. Her guidance throughout the process , she is humble with great communication skills, She even assisted me after working hours just to make sure everything was completed correctly. My application was completed very quickly and smoothly thanks to her dedication and efficiency. She is absolutely exceptional at her job, honestly. If all services were like this, everything would be stress free. Highly recommend. We are on the final stage which is the administration part, my daughter can now attend her classes openly and in peace knowing very well that her fees are taken care off. Thank you again Manati, more especially Ms Pheliwe Tambo, the best of the best❤️🥳. Manati, Education key for students, irrespective of background. Happy single mom❤️
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
The support I received during my application process was outstanding. Pheliwe Tamba, the consultant who assisted me was kind, patient, and extremely professional, going the extra mile to ensure everything was completed quickly and correctly. She even helped after hours, which shows her incredible dedication and commitment to excellence. Thanks to her, the entire process was smooth and stress-free. She is truly exceptional at what she does and a valuable asset to the team.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2026
The support I received during my application process was outstanding. Pheliwe Tamba, the consultant who assisted me was kind, patient, and extremely professional, going the extra mile to ensure everything was completed quickly and correctly. She even helped after hours, which shows her incredible dedication and commitment to excellence. Thanks to her, the entire process was smooth and stress-free. She is truly exceptional at what she does and a valuable asset to the team.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am honestly very stressed and overwhelmed by how my student loan has been handled by Manati. I am being asked to repay the full loan amount including funds that were never disbursed to me. I fully accept responsibility for the portion that was actually paid out and am willing to settle the difference between the amount I paid and what they paid once I am employed. However I do not understand why I am being held liable for money I never received especially when I am already struggling financially and have no support. I took this loan to further my education and improve my future but instead it has caused severe stress and worsened my mental health. I informed Manati that I was resigning due to mental health reasons and provided a letter from my psychologist because they required a valid reason to cancel the loan. I was later told by my school that Manati shared my psychologist’s confidential letter with them without my knowledge or consent. This contained sensitive medical information and felt like a serious violation of my privacy. After receiving late night calls and being pressured to choose between cancelling or restructuring, I chose to cancel. Weeks later, I was informed that my cancellation request was denied and that I am liable for the full loan amount, including funds not disbursed. This situation has taken a serious toll on me. The pressure to pay an incorrect amount is worsening my anxiety and I feel completely unheard. I am asking for a proper review of my account ,a clear breakdown of what was actually disbursed, correction of the balance to reflect only what I truly received, and an explanation for why my confidential medical information was shared without my consent. Students, please be cautious.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am honestly very stressed and overwhelmed by how my student loan has been handled by Manati. I am being asked to repay the full loan amount including funds that were never disbursed to me. I fully accept responsibility for the portion that was actually paid out and am willing to settle the difference between the amount I paid and what they paid once I am employed. However I do not understand why I am being held liable for money I never received especially when I am already struggling financially and have no support. I took this loan to further my education and improve my future but instead it has caused severe stress and worsened my mental health. I informed Manati that I was resigning due to mental health reasons and provided a letter from my psychologist because they required a valid reason to cancel the loan. I was later told by my school that Manati shared my psychologist’s confidential letter with them without my knowledge or consent. This contained sensitive medical information and felt like a serious violation of my privacy. After receiving late night calls and being pressured to choose between cancelling or restructuring, I chose to cancel. Weeks later, I was informed that my cancellation request was denied and that I am liable for the full loan amount, including funds not disbursed. This situation has taken a serious toll on me. The pressure to pay an incorrect amount is worsening my anxiety and I feel completely unheard. I am asking for a proper review of my account ,a clear breakdown of what was actually disbursed, correction of the balance to reflect only what I truly received, and an explanation for why my confidential medical information was shared without my consent. Students, please be cautious.