NSFAS News

NSFAS Says Funding Payments Are Progressing

Published

3 weeks ago

August 25, 2024

NSFAS Says Funding Payments Are Progressing. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that it is making significant progress in the disbursement of funds to students at both Universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. This update comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding delays in payments and the handling of student appeals.

Briefing To The Portfolio Committee On Higher Education

NSFAS recently briefed the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, providing an update on its efforts to address the late payments, particularly for private accommodation for students, and its progress in resolving outstanding appeals. This briefing was part of the Committee’s oversight activities, marking the beginning of the 7th democratic Parliament’s work.

The Committee’s oversight visit to NSFAS offices also included a review of the first progress report since the Scheme was placed under administration in April this year. The administration was prompted by delays in disbursement and significant backlogs in processing application appeals.

Addressing Student Expectations

Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, emphasized the high expectations that students have from NSFAS. “A lot of expectation on the part of the students. Students expect that if they qualify for NSFAS, they are paid on time, including their allowances, accommodation, and tuition fees,” he said. This statement underscores the critical role NSFAS plays in ensuring that students’ financial needs are met promptly.

Positive Outcomes From The Direct Payment Mechanism

NSFAS has implemented a direct payment mechanism, which has already shown promising results. According to the Scheme, this new system has significantly reduced transaction costs from R22 to just R1 per transaction. Additionally, since May, there have been no queries regarding non-payment from TVET Colleges, indicating a marked improvement in the efficiency of the payment process.

Challenges And Legacy Issues

Despite the progress, NSFAS acknowledges that challenges remain. Freeman Nomvalo, the NSFAS administrator, highlighted ongoing legacy issues that continue to affect students and society at large. “We are not where we ought to be. We still have challenges to resolve. We still have legacy issues that are a pain to students, a pain to society. We are committed to resolving them as we go on with time. It is unacceptable for students to suffer this long,” Nomvalo stated.

One of the most pressing challenges is ensuring timely payments for students’ accommodation. Nomvalo pointed out that delays in payments can have severe consequences, such as bounced debit orders and negative impacts on students’ credit scores. For instance, payments that were supposed to be made by the 31st of July were only processed at the beginning of August, leading to these issues.

Applications For The 2025 Academic Year

Looking ahead, NSFAS has announced that applications for the 2025 academic year will open on the 1st of September and will close on the 30th of November this year. This provides students with a clear timeline to apply for funding and ensures that preparations for the upcoming academic year can begin in a timely manner.

Conclusion

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is making strides in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its payment processes, particularly through the implementation of the direct payment mechanism. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring timely payments for student accommodation. As NSFAS continues to address these issues, it remains committed to supporting students and ensuring they receive the financial aid they are entitled to, on time and without undue stress. The opening of applications for the 2025 academic year marks another important step in NSFAS’s ongoing efforts to meet the needs of South African students.

NSFAS News

When We Can Apply For NSFAS In 2025

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2024

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When We Can Apply For NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a beacon of hope for many students seeking financial support to pursue higher education in South Africa. As we look forward to the 2025 academic year, it’s crucial for prospective students to be aware of the application timeline and eligibility requirements to maximize their chances of receiving funding. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for NSFAS in 2025.

NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2025

The NSFAS application period for the 2025 academic year is set to begin on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. This is the key date when the application portal will open, allowing eligible students to submit their applications. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure your application is processed promptly and to avoid any last-minute issues.

Eligibility Requirements

Before diving into the application process, it’s important to determine if you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
Institution Registration: You must be registered or planning to register at a public university or TVET college.
Household Income: Your household’s combined annual income must not exceed R350,000.
Academic Requirements: You should meet the academic requirements of the institution you wish to attend.
Previous Funding: You must not have previously received NSFAS funding.
Postgraduate Studies: NSFAS does not fund postgraduate studies. If you are looking for funding for a postgraduate course, consider applying through the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Who Does Not Qualify?

While NSFAS aims to support as many students as possible, there are specific groups who are not eligible for funding:

Household Income: Students from households with an annual income exceeding R350,000 are not eligible.
Existing Funding: Students who have already received full study funding from other bursary sources cannot apply.
Second Undergraduate Degree: If you already have an undergraduate qualification and wish to pursue a second one, you cannot apply.
Private Institutions: Students enrolled in private higher education institutions are ineligible.
Non-Approved Qualifications: If your qualification is not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or is not SAQA accredited, you cannot apply.
Second Certificate: Students who have obtained a certificate qualification and wish to study for a second certificate are not eligible.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

NSFAS provides a comprehensive bursary package that includes:

Registration Fees: Full coverage of your registration fees.
Tuition Fees: Payment of your tuition fees.
Book Allowance: Financial support for purchasing books and other academic materials.
Accommodation: Coverage for accommodation or living expenses.

How to Apply

To apply for NSFAS funding for 2025, follow these steps:

Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, including proof of income, identity documents, and academic records.
Visit the NSFAS Website: Go to the official NSFAS website on 17 September 2024 to access the application portal.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate information. Be sure to double-check all details before submitting.
Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the form, submit it through the NSFAS portal. You may need to upload supporting documents as part of the application process.
Track Your Application: After submission, monitor the status of your application through the NSFAS portal to stay updated on any additional requirements or next steps.

Conclusion

The NSFAS application for the 2025 academic year opens on 17 September 2024, and it’s essential for prospective students to prepare and apply early. Understanding the eligibility requirements and the details of what NSFAS covers will help you navigate the application process smoothly. By ensuring you meet the criteria and submitting a complete application, you can take a significant step towards securing the financial support needed to achieve your academic goals. Good luck with your application, and may your journey towards higher education be a successful one!