NSFAS
The Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on all learners wishing to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to submit their applications for 2024 funding. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially opened the bursary application season for the 2024 academic year, which will close on 31 January 2024.
Minister Blade Nzimande
One of the reasons for opening the applications period now is that NSFAS is waiting for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to complete the tax period. This is crucial to provide NSFAS with the necessary and updated information during the application season. By opening the applications earlier, beneficiaries can expect shorter turnaround times for decision making, aligning with NSFAS’s financial eligibility assessment that requires updated SARS information.
Minister Nzimande emphasized the importance of applying for funding timeously, urging students not to wait until the last day. He also highlighted that students do not have to wait for matriculation to apply for NSFAS. The scheme is mandated to make funding available to poor and working-class families, and it will continue to make immediate funding decisions for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) First Time Entering (FTEN) students.
To improve services for students, no supporting documents are required at the time of application. This improvement is a result of enhanced relations with third parties such as SASSA, SARS, and the Department of Home Affairs, who will provide NSFAS with information to verify students’ declarations. Supporting documents will only be required if prompted by NSFAS, usually in instances where parental relationships cannot be verified. NSFAS will communicate directly with the student to initiate this process.
For students submitting appeals, the required documents will be based on the NSFAS declaration form available on their website. Disabled students will also need to submit the disability annexure form, as they are assessed at a different threshold. These improvements aim to ensure that funding decisions are confirmed promptly.
Minister Nzimande urged students to provide accurate information, especially regarding parental information, to facilitate smooth validations with Home Affairs. NSFAS will reject or request additional supporting documentation in cases where validations with third parties fail. First-time applicants will have the opportunity to appeal as soon as they are rejected. However, returning and continuing students will only be able to appeal from the end of November as NSFAS improves its processes for a more streamlined appeal system.
NSFAS is working with other public entities, including SARS and the Department of Home Affairs, to enhance its controls and ensure that only eligible students receive funding. This collaborative effort ensures that those who do not qualify cannot access the funding.
In preparation for the 2024 funding cycle, NSFAS has engaged the Department of Basic Education and identified a number of matric students who are SASSA beneficiaries. It is important to note that applying for funding does not guarantee confirmation. Applicants still need to be registered at a public university or TVET College for the qualification to be funded.
The 2024 application period introduces new features, including the NSFAS mobile application, initially available for iPhone operating systems (iOS), Android, and eventually for HUAWEI devices. The student app will include biometric capabilities, which will be rolled out later in the year. Additionally, NSFAS is planning to implement strategies to improve query handling processes. This includes providing additional services on WhatsApp, USSD, and introducing solutions such as chatbots. These applications will allow students to receive direct responses and reduce reliance on phone calls.
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