Applications for NSFAS 2024 funding are officially open

If you are a student who wants to pursue higher education in South Africa, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS is a government-funded organisation that provides loans and bursaries to students who meet the academic and financial criteria. In this blog post, we will explain how to apply for NSFAS 2024 funding, what the requirements are, and what the benefits are.

What is NSFAS and how does it work?

NSFAS is a scheme that aims to provide access to quality education for students who come from poor and working-class backgrounds. NSFAS offers two types of funding: loans and bursaries. Loans are repayable after graduation, based on your income and the amount you borrowed. Bursaries are non-repayable grants that cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, transport, and living expenses.

NSFAS has different funding programmes for different fields of study and levels of education. Some of the programmes are:

- The Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme for students who want to become teachers
- The National Skills Fund (NSF) for students who want to study scarce and critical skills
- The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Bursary Scheme for students who want to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges
- The DHET Disability Bursary Scheme for students with disabilities
- The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) for students who want to study in priority fields such as engineering, health sciences, and accounting

You can find more information about the different funding programmes on the NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/

How to apply for NSFAS 2024 funding?

NSFAS 2024 applications are now open and will close on 30 November 2023. You can apply online through the my NSFAS portal: https://my.nsfas.org.za/

To apply, you will need the following documents:

- A certified copy of your identity document or birth certificate
- A certified copy of your parent or guardian's identity document or death certificate if they are deceased
- A signed consent form from your parent or guardian if you are under 18 years old
- Proof of income or SASSA grant receipt for your parent or guardian if they are employed or receive social grants
- Proof of residence or affidavit if you do not have a formal address
- A certified copy of your latest academic results or school leaving certificate
- A certified copy of your admission letter from the institution you have applied to or are studying at

You can upload these documents online or submit them at your nearest NYDA centre. You can find the list of NYDA centres here: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/nyda.html

You will receive an SMS or email confirmation once your application is submitted. You can track the status of your application online through the myNSFAS portal. You will also receive an SMS or email notification once your application is approved or rejected.

What are the benefits of NSFAS funding?

If you are approved for NSFAS funding, you will receive a range of benefits that will help you succeed in your studies. Some of the benefits are:

- Free registration and tuition fees at any public university or TVET college in South Africa
- Accommodation allowance or subsidised accommodation at university residences or approved private providers
- Transport allowance or subsidised transport for students who live more than 40 km from their institution
- Living allowance for food, personal care, and other expenses
- Book allowance or vouchers for textbooks and learning materials
- Laptop allowance or device for online learning
- Academic support and mentoring from NSFAS staff and partners
- Career guidance and placement services from NSFAS alumni network

NSFAS also offers a loan repayment incentive scheme that rewards graduates who repay their loans on time and in full. If you repay your loan within five years after graduation, you will receive a 40% discount on the outstanding balance. If you repay your loan within 10 years after graduation, you will receive a 20% discount on the outstanding balance.

Why should you apply for NSFAS 2024 funding?

NSFAS 2024 funding is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue higher education but cannot afford it. By applying for NSFAS 2024 funding, you can:

- Access quality education at any public university or TVET college in South Africa
- Reduce your financial burden and debt after graduation
- Improve your employability and career prospects in the labour market
- Contribute to the social and economic development of South Africa

NSFAS 2024 applications are now open and will close on 31 January 2024. Don't miss this chance to achieve your academic dreams. Apply today and join the NSFAS family.