NSFAS To Introduce New Funding Model For Students. In a transformative move, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is poised to revolutionize the landscape of student funding by introducing a Comprehensive Student Funding model. While NSFAS currently supports over a million financially vulnerable students, the new model aims to extend assistance to an even larger demographic within the post-school education sector.
Addressing the Financial Divide
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed optimism that a groundbreaking proposal detailing the new funding model will be presented to the Cabinet by the conclusion of 2023. This initiative comes in response to the pressing need to accommodate students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for NSFAS bursaries, creating a safety net for the often overlooked “missing middle.”
Aiming for Inclusivity
The term “missing middle” encompasses students from households exceeding the NSFAS income threshold. These individuals find themselves in a financial gray area—deemed too affluent for traditional financial aid yet unable to afford the costs associated with higher education. Deputy President Mashatile emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the new funding scheme extends support to this critical demographic.
Ministerial Commitment to Specialized Support
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande elaborated on the primary objective of the Comprehensive Student Funding model. It seeks to implement targeted measures for students within the missing middle-income groups by providing loans, particularly to those enrolled in scarce skills categories. This multifaceted approach aims not only to broaden access but also to align funding with the demands of specific academic disciplines.
Tackling Dropout Rates
Deputy President Mashatile underscored another pivotal objective of the new model: preventing student dropouts due to financial challenges. Recognizing the financial strain on students as a significant factor contributing to dropout rates, the Comprehensive Student Funding model seeks to be a proactive solution, extending support not only to new applicants but also to existing students facing unforeseen financial hurdles.
Ambitious Targets for 2024
The proposed funding model has set ambitious targets for the upcoming academic year, particularly 2024. These include the retention of existing funding for poor students in the income bracket of R0 to R350,000 per annum per household. Additionally, the model aims to establish a robust funding strategy for the missing middle, involving collaboration with the financial sector to provide loans to students within that bracket.
Challenges at NSFAS
While NSFAS charts this bold course, it is not without its challenges. Recent months have seen the organization under scrutiny, with issues ranging from students struggling to access their monthly allowances to the dismissal of the former CEO due to irregular procurement practices. Deputy President Mashatile acknowledged ongoing investigations to address these concerns, ensuring transparency and accountability.
NSFAS 2024 Applications
Amidst these transformative changes, NSFAS announced the opening of applications for 2024. Starting on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, prospective students can submit their applications online until 31 January 2024 on the official NSFAS website. This signals not only a commitment to innovation in funding models but also a dedication to facilitating seamless access to education for all deserving students.