HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING MINISTRY, SOUTH AFRICA: Dr. Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, has announced the opening of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary applications for the 2024 academic year, urging learners and students in need of financial support to apply promptly.
According to South African Government News Agency, The application season for NSFAS bursaries began on November 21, 2023, and is scheduled to close on January 31, 2024. According to Nzimande, the timing of the application window is strategic, coinciding with the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) completion of the tax period. This synchronization is crucial as it allows NSFAS to access updated and necessary information for assessing applicants' financial eligibility.
Nzimande encouraged prospective students intending to enroll in public universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to apply well before the deadline and emphasized that matriculation results are not a prerequisite for NSFAS application. He reiterated NSFAS's commitment to supporting poor and working-class families, noting that immediate funding decisions will be made for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) First Time Entering (FTEN) students.
In an effort to streamline the application process, Nzimande revealed that no supporting documents would be required at the time of application, thanks to improved third-party relations with SASSA, SARS, and the Department of Home Affairs. The only exception would be when NSFAS cannot verify parental relationships, in which case, direct communication will be sent to students to initiate the submission of supporting documents.
For students submitting appeals, required documents will depend on the NSFAS declaration form available on their website. Disabled students will need to submit a disability annexure form, as they are assessed at a higher threshold of R600,000.
The Minister highlighted the importance of providing accurate parental information during application to facilitate timely validations with Home Affairs and funding. He noted that NSFAS will either reject applications or request additional documentation if third-party validations fail. First-time applicants can appeal immediately upon rejection, while returning and continuing students can appeal from the end of November due to ongoing process improvements.
Nzimande also stressed NSFAS's efforts to prevent ineligible individuals from accessing funds, in collaboration with entities like SARS and the Department of Home Affairs. He mentioned that NSFAS is already working with the Department of Basic Education to identify matric students who are SASSA beneficiaries, preparing for the 2024 funding cycle.
Applying for NSFAS funding does not guarantee confirmation, as applicants must first register at a public university or TVET College in a funded qualification. Nzimande announced new features for the 2024 application period, including the rollout of the NSFAS mobile application for iOS, Android, and eventually Huawei devices. The app will include biometric capabilities and is part of a broader strategy to improve query handling, including additional services on WhatsApp, USSD, and chatbot solutions.