NSFAS
Grade 12 learners and students who are seeking to commence their higher education journey but are without the financial means to do so have been given a final call to action.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has reminded prospective students that they have until Wednesday, January 31, 2024, to submit their bursary applications for the upcoming academic year.
Since November 21, 2023, NSFAS has opened its doors to applications for financial assistance, and the closing date is fast approaching. The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, has appealed to students aiming to enroll at public universities or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to seize this opportunity by promptly lodging their applications.
NSFAS’s support, already extending to over 1.4 million students across public higher education institutions, is crucial for those lacking the economic backing to pursue their academic aspirations. Manamela highlighted the inclusivity of the scheme, stating, “If you have Grade 10, 11 or 12 and want to study at either a university or TVET college, and are a SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) beneficiary, or have a household income less than R350,000, you can apply to qualify.”
The scheme embraces diversity, supporting an array of disciplines including law, engineering, medicine, and various vocational studies. To apply, interested parties should visit www.nsfas.org.za, create an account under myNSFAS, and complete the application process using a computer or mobile device with internet access.
In a comprehensive package, NSFAS covers not just tuition fees but also the cost of accommodation, learning materials, and provides a living allowance, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic pursuits. SASSA beneficiaries enjoy the advantage of almost immediate approval, with the department noting that 657,703 such applicants have already received provisional funding.
However, an important step in application completion is the submission of a signed consent form, a regulatory requirement for NSFAS to undertake the necessary third-party verifications. This document seeks to confirm the employment status and income of the applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.
Moreover, NSFAS ensures simplified access to application updates through innovative channels, including a mobile app, a WhatsApp service, and USSD. Applicants may add NSFAS on WhatsApp at 078 519 8006 or use the USSD code *120*67327# to keep abreast of their application status.
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