One month left to apply for NSFAS bursaries

With just one month left till the closing date, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging South Africans who wish to study in 2019 to apply for bursaries.

Applications for funding to study at accredited tertiary institutions opened in September and will close at the end of November.

NSFAS has a duty to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds  access higher education or further their studies despite their financial backgrounds, giving them the same chance to be educated as those who are able to afford tertiary education.

To date more than three million South Africans across the country have received funding which enabled them to study a qualification of their choice at any public university or TVET college.

Who can apply for NSFAS funding?

• Students from families with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum, registering at TVET colleges and public universities for the first time
• Students from families who are recipients of government grants through South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding
• Students returning to TVET colleges and public universities to complete or continue their first undergraduate qualification
• Students who first registered at a public institution prior to 2018 who are from families with a combined household income of R122 000 returning to TVET colleges and universities after a gap year or two to complete their first undergraduate qualification.

Where and how to apply?

There are four channels to apply for the NSFAS bursary:

1. Online applications: this is where an applicant can apply on their own on the NSFAS website. This is the most recommended method of application as it is easy and quicker to complete.
2. Students can go to any National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office closest to them and apply with the help of NSFAS agents stationed there.
3. Several public universities and TVET colleges are allowing learners and students to make use of their computer labs and the financial aid offices to apply. You may contact the public institution closest to you to find out if they are open for NSFAS applications on campus.

You need the following documents to apply:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
2. Certified copies of proofs of income if your parent/s or guardian are employed
3. Certified copies of your parent/s or guardian/s ID
4. A completed consent form signed by your parent/s or guardian/s
5. If you are an orphan, a Declaration Form available from the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za must be signed by your social worker.
6. If you have a disability, you need to complete the Disability Annexure A, also available on the website www.nsfas.org.za.

All applications without any of the required documents listed above will not be accepted. No emailed or posted applications will be accepted.

When to apply?

NSFAS Applications are currently open and will close on 30 November 2018. No late applications will be accepted.

For more information call NSFAS on 0860 067 327 or 021 763 3200