This programme develops and coordinates policy and regulatory frameworks for an effective and efficient university education system. A total budget of R19.5 billion has been allocated to this programme and it increases substantially at an annual average rate of 10.7% to R23.2 billion in 2012/13. The increase is mainly due to increased block grants for universities and an increase in the funding of student loans through NSFAS. The programme dominates expenditure, receiving 82.4 percent of the total Higher Education and Training budget. It includes subsidies to Universities, National Institutes for Higher Education (NIHE), Council on Higher Education (CHE), National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Transfer payments to universities are the programme's largest expenditure item.