The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) extends bursaries to both university and TVET College students, yet the procedures for these two educational institutions vary. Thus, NSFAS establishes a range of application opening and closing dates.
Annually, NSFAS offers bursaries, and the application process occurs online via myNSFAS.
When will the forthcoming round of NSFAS applications commence?
With TVET Colleges gearing up for the second semester, applications for prospective students looking to enroll in one are underway. As placement and funding are intertwined, NSFAS bursaries become imperative.
Hence, applications for semester 2 will commence on 17 July and remain accessible for two weeks, closing on 31 July.
How will the process for NSFAS semester 2 applications be?
Students are urged to apply online through the NSFAS website. Alternatively, they can opt to apply at a TVET College bursary office or a National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office.
Furthermore, walk-in online application platforms and assistive capture application platforms are available. With the former, students utilize the college computer lab for submission, whereas college officials utilize the assistive capture application platform to apply on behalf of students.
After submission, applicants can monitor their applications via the NSFAS website.
When will NSFAS applications for universities commence?
Typically, NSFAS application opening dates for universities kick off between August and September each year and conclude either at the year’s end or the start of the subsequent year, covering funding for the following academic year.
These applications are exclusively accepted online via the NSFAS website.
What are the NSFAS eligibility criteria?
The primary criterion entails that the household income should not exceed R350,000 annually. Thus, if the cumulative household income surpasses R350,000, applicants won’t qualify.
Additionally, applicants must be enrolled or intend to enroll at one of South Africa’s public institutions, with only South African citizens eligible to apply for NSFAS funding.
What expenses does the NSFAS bursary encompass?
Initially, NSFAS covers a student’s registration and tuition fees post-registration.
Subsequently, students receive NSFAS allowances to defray expenses such as transport, accommodation, learning materials, and other educational necessities. These allowances vary depending on the type of institution the student attends.