What to know about Nsfas, this is complete guide you’ll ever need
What to know about Nsfas, NSFAS was established in 1991 and is administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. To be eligible for NSFAS funding, a student must be a South African citizen, come from a household with a combined income of less than R350,000 per annum, and meet academic requirements set by the institution they wish to attend.
The NSFAS funding is repayable, and the loan is only forgiven if the student completes their studies and finds employment within a certain period after graduation.
More information about NSFAS
NSFAS has faced criticism in the past for being slow to disburse funds, which has caused financial difficulties for many students. However, the government has made efforts in recent years to improve the efficiency of the program and to ensure that funding is disbursed on time.
Overall, NSFAS plays a crucial role in enabling students from low-income households to access higher education in South Africa, and helps to address inequalities in the education system.
NSFAS was established in 1991 and is administered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. To be eligible for NSFAS funding, a student must be a South African citizen, come from a household with a combined income of less than R350,000 per annum, and meet academic requirements set by the institution they wish to attend.
The NSFAS funding is repayable, and the loan is only forgiven if the student completes their studies and finds employment within a certain period after graduation.
NSFAS has faced criticism in the past for being slow to disburse funds, which has caused financial difficulties for many students. However, the government has made efforts in recent years to improve the efficiency of the program and to ensure that funding is disbursed on time.
Overall, NSFAS plays a crucial role in enabling students from low-income households to access higher education in South Africa, and helps to address inequalities in the education system.
How to apply for NSFAS / What to know about Nsfas
To apply for NSFAS funding, you need to follow these steps:
- Check if you are eligible: Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen and coming from a household with a combined income of less than R350,000 per annum.
- Choose your institution: Decide on the university or college that you wish to attend and make sure that they are a NSFAS-approved institution.
- Complete the online application form: Go to the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za) and complete the online application form. You will need to provide personal and financial information as well as your academic history.
- Submit supporting documents: You will need to submit proof of your household income, a certified copy of your ID, and academic transcripts to support your application.
- Wait for the outcome: NSFAS will assess your application and determine if you are eligible for funding. If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of award indicating the amount of funding you will receive.
It’s important to note that the application process opens at specific times during the year, and you should check the NSFAS website for information on when the next application period begins. It’s also recommended to apply as early as possible, as funding is limited and is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
How are students getting per month / What to know about Nsfas
The amount of financial aid that NSFAS students receive per month depends on a number of factors, including the type of institution they are attending (university or TVET college), their level of study (undergraduate or postgraduate), and their living arrangements (on-campus or off-campus).
For example, in 2021, NSFAS provided the following monthly allowances for students:
- Undergraduate students living on campus: R1,600 for living expenses, R3,000 for accommodation, and R1,000 for meals.
- Undergraduate students living off-campus: R3,000 for living expenses.
- TVET college students: R1,500 for living expenses.
These allowances are subject to change and are reviewed annually, so it’s important to check the NSFAS website or contact NSFAS directly for the most up-to-date information. It’s also important to note that the financial aid provided by NSFAS is meant to cover the basic living expenses of students and may not fully cover all of their costs. Some students may need to find additional sources of funding or work part-time to support themselves.
Which institutions are supported by NSFAS?
NSFAS provides financial aid to students attending public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa. This includes universities such as the University of Cape Town, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg, and many others.
NSFAS also provides financial aid to students attending some of the 50-plus TVET colleges in the country, including colleges such as the College of Cape Town, the Durban University of Technology, and the False Bay College, among others.
It’s important to note that NSFAS funding is only available to students who meet the eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen and coming from a household with a combined income of less than R350,000 per annum.
You can check the list of NSFAS-approved institutions on the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za), or contact NSFAS directly for more information.
