NSFAS application deadline this Saturday
The financial aid scheme has received 365 922 applications nationwide
THE National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has again encouraged qualifying students to submit applications for 2020 funding before the deadline tomorrow (Saturday).
The financial aid scheme has received 365 922 applications nationwide, with KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, and Limpopo provinces continuing to lead with the highest number of submissions.
With the deadline on 30 November, NSFAS has rolled out a ‘town-to-town’ outreach intervention programme in Mtubatuba earlier this month to reach prospective beneficiaries and students who have not yet submitted their applications.
To qualify for funding, students must obtain a place to study at a public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) college or university.
‘This means they must be admitted and actually register for the 2020 academic year.
‘NSFAS assesses the financial eligibility of a student, while institutions are responsible for making admissions decisions,’ said higher education minister, Blade Nzimande.
‘Government has set aside more than R80-billion for the next three years to ensure that prospective students from poor and working class families with a combined household income of R350 000 per annum or less, have access to higher education.’
Nzimande said students who are currently funded by NSFAS are not required to reapply for 2020 funding.
‘NSFAS will continue to fund these students provided they meet the NSFAS progression criteria,’ he said.
Applicants who do not have access to computer facilities and smart phones, are urged to visit their nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) offices, local libraries, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Thusong Centres and Department of Basic Education (DBE) District Teacher Development Centres nationalwide, to apply for funding.
