Categories: www.nsfas.org.za

How NSFAS Assist Students

How NSFAS Assist Students: A basic right that empowers people and promotes social advancement is access to higher education. However, the financial expense of pursuing higher education is sometimes a considerable barrier for many prospective students. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a South African government project that was launched in 1999 with the primary purpose of providing financial support to qualified students wishing to continue higher education at universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes.

NSFAS’s mission is to provide financial aid to students from poor and working-class families in a sustainable manner that promotes access to, and success in, higher and further education and training, in pursuit of South Africa’s national and human resource development goals.

NSFAS exists to provide financial aid to eligible students at TVET colleges and public universities; NSFAS identifies eligible students, provides bursaries, and collects past student loan repayments to replenish funds available for future generations of students; and NSFAS supports access to and success in higher education and training for students from low-income and working-class families who would not be able to study otherwise.

READ: What Does NSFAS Bursary Cover

What Does NSFAS Funds Cover?

NSFAS funds cover a variety of expenditures associated with higher education. NSFAS funds are typically used to pay for:

UNIVERSITY-

Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET Colleges-

Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum
Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
Transport R7000 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum.

Who Can Apply For NSFAS Funding?

NSFAS provides funding for eligible students who meet the eligibility criteria for the fund. To qualify for NSFAS assistance, students typically need to meet the following requirements:

Must be a South African citizen / permanent resident
Combined gross household income should not exceed R350 000 per annum
Combined gross household income (persons living with disabilities) should not exceed R600 000 per annum
SASSA recipients automatically qualify for financial eligibility
Must have email and cell phone number.

READ: Who Qualifies For NSFAS 2024?

How Do I Apply For NSFAS Funding?

NSFAS Funding application is done online on the official website of NSFAS during the application period. The application procedure is simple and straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your home, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and have in possession all supporting documents. Follow the steps below to apply;

Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
Create a myNSFAS account
Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
Upload required supporting documents where applicable
Click on ‘Submit’.

Documents Required to Apply For NSFAS

All applicants are required to upload and submit the following documents;

All applicants must provide a copy of their ID. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs will be accepted.
Non-SASSA applicants must provide ID copies of parent/s, legal guardian/guardian or spouse.
Smart ID cards: a copy with both sides of the smart ID must be provided.
Proof of income: The applicant and/or parents/legal guardian/spouse (where applicable (non-SASSA) should provide the latest payslip not older than 3 months, UIF letter, appointment letter, retrenchment letter (applicant and/or parent(s), legal guardian/spouse)
Passports/Driver’s licenses will not be accepted as proof of ID.

READ: How Much Is NSFAS Allowance 2024-2025?

Contact NSFAS

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS not only helps individual students, but it also helps to shape a more equal and prosperous South Africa for all. If you want to pursue higher education but are limited by finances, NSFAS may be the key to unlocking your potential and realizing your aspirations. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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