NSFAS News

NSFAS Reminds Students to Submit Applications Before the Deadline

Published

1 week ago

December 24, 2024

NSFAS Reminds Students to Submit Applications Before the Deadline. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is critical in enabling students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access tertiary education in South Africa.

With the deadline fast approaching, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, is urging students to apply for funding before the final date on 15 December.

Why You Should Apply for NSFAS Funding

The Minister highlighted that over 60% of applications have already been approved, signaling that the process is running smoothly for many applicants. Manamela emphasized that any student who plans to study at a South African university or college and whose household income is less than R350,000 can apply for funding. NSFAS offers various financial supports, including bursaries that cover:

Transport costs
Tuition fees
Lifestyle allowances to help students manage their daily expenses

For those whose household income exceeds the threshold, NSFAS offers loans that can be repaid once the student completes their studies. Additionally, SASSA beneficiaries are automatically eligible for NSFAS funding and do not need to submit any additional documentation.

Documents Needed to Apply for NSFAS

When submitting an NSFAS application, applicants must provide various supporting documents to ensure their eligibility is accurately assessed. The following is a list of documents you might need:

Document Type	Description
Copy of Identity Document	Required to verify the applicant’s identity.
Copy of Parent/Guardian/Spouse ID	Required for applicants who are dependent on a parent or guardian.
Proof of Income (if applicable)	Required to show the household’s financial status.
NSFAS Declaration Form	To be completed by the school principal or social worker.
Orphan/Vulnerable Child Declaration	For those under 18, to be completed by a social worker.
NSFAS Consent Form	Required by the applicant, spouse, guardian, or parent.
Proof of Guardianship	If applicable, issued by the court.
Disability Annexure Form	For students with disabilities.
Marriage Certificate	If applicable, for applicants who are married.
Provisional/Firm/Pre-Enrolment Offer Letter	A letter confirming acceptance to a tertiary institution.

It’s important to note that affidavits are not accepted as part of the supporting documentation for NSFAS applications.

How to Apply for NSFAS Funding

Applying for NSFAS funding is straightforward and can be done entirely online. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to the application process:

Visit the official NSFAS website at nsfas.org.za.
Create an account by registering on the myNSFAS profile. You’ll need to fill in your personal details.
Log into your account once your profile is set up and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Submit your application and ensure all necessary documentation is uploaded.

NSFAS Student Outreach Programme

In an effort to assist students with their applications, NSFAS has partnered with Nkangala TVET College to run a Student Outreach Programme and Exhibition. This initiative is aimed at helping students navigate the online application process and answer any queries they may have.

The programme will be hosted at Middelburg TVET College, Mpumalanga, and is set to run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event serves as a valuable resource for students looking for assistance with their applications.

NSFAS Applications Are Not for Sale

Applicants are strongly advised not to pay any third parties who claim they can assist with their NSFAS applications. NSFAS has clearly stated that no fees should be paid for the submission of applications, and students are urged to protect their personal details. For security, it’s important that applications are only submitted through official channels.

Students can check the status of their application at any time through the myNSFAS portal. This will allow them to track their progress and ensure all steps are completed before the 15 December deadline.

Important Reminders

Deadline: Ensure that your NSFAS application is submitted before 15 December to be considered for funding in the 2024 academic year.
Supporting Documents: Have all necessary documents ready before applying. Missing or incorrect documents can delay your application process.
Application Safety: Be cautious of scams. Only submit your application through the official NSFAS website.

Conclusion

As the 15 December deadline approaches, students must finalize their NSFAS applications to ensure they receive the necessary funding for their tertiary studies.

Whether you are applying for a bursary or a loan, the support provided by NSFAS is invaluable in helping South African students pursue their educational goals. Don’t wait until the last minute—take action now and secure your future.