NSFAS Bursary Applications Exceed One Million
NSFAS Bursary Applications Exceed One Million. As of January 21, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received an impressive 1,545,822 applications for the upcoming 2024 academic year. Anticipating additional submissions before the application cycle concludes on January 31, 2024, Higher Education, Science, and Innovation Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande briefed the media on the department’s readiness for the Post School Education and Training (PSET) academic year.
Funding Provision for SASSA Recipients
The scheme has provisionally funded 657,703 applicants who are recipients of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Minister Nzimande urged all NSFAS applicants to submit a consent form, facilitating the verification of relevant information from third parties and ensuring compliance with legislative requirements.
Importance of Consent Form Submission
Emphasizing the mandatory nature of this process, Nzimande highlighted that the consent form is crucial for verifying the employment status and income level of applicants’ parents, guardians, or spouses. Applicants are required to download and upload a completed consent form on the NSFAS website, portal, or mobile app. Specific instructions for applicants in the application data category will be communicated through SMS and email.
Warning on Non-Submission
Minister Nzimande cautioned that the non-submission of a complete, accurate, and duly signed NSFAS consent form would disqualify students from NSFAS funding due to the inability to evaluate and determine financial eligibility.
Enhanced Communication Platforms
In an effort to improve communication with students, NSFAS has introduced new platforms. Applicants can now access their application updates through the NSFAS student mobile app, WhatsApp line, and a USSD code. The provided WhatsApp number and USSD code enable applicants to track their application status.
Accommodation Submission by Institutions
Simultaneously, Minister Nzimande called on all higher learning institutions to submit the list of NSFAS-funded students who have been registered. This facilitates the application for accommodation through the scheme’s accommodation portal.
Pilot Accreditation Program
NSFAS is currently piloting the accreditation of private student accommodation in 17 universities and 23 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges for the 2024 academic year. The program aims to ensure that student accommodation is accessible, decent, safe, and academically conducive for all students.
Accommodation Availability Statistics
For TVET colleges, out of the total of 38,938 registered beds on NSFAS platforms, 25,989 beds have been accredited and are available, while 12,949 beds are in the accreditation process. In universities, out of the total 67,337 registered beds, 42,965 beds have been accredited and are available, with 24,372 beds in the process of accreditation.
Ongoing Training and Support
Since January 8, 2024, NSFAS has been providing weekly training on the application and registration process to accommodation providers and students. The training is expected to conclude in February 2024.
Ensuring Student Accommodation During Registration
Nzimande assured that NSFAS has developed a plan to visit hotspot areas during this year’s registration period. This initiative aims to prevent students from being stranded without accommodation, underscoring NSFAS’s commitment to facilitating a smooth academic journey for all.
Conclusion
NSFAS robust response to over one million applications for the 2024 academic year, coupled with innovative communication platforms and an ambitious accommodation program, reflects a commitment to ensuring accessible, secure, and conducive learning environments for South African students.
