Are you looking for information on NSFAS extended programmes? Then you are in the right place. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government agency that reports to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It offers study bursaries to qualified students planning to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities.
What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?
To ensure that students get the most out of their studies, NSFAS makes their educational journey enjoyable and free of any financial burden by providing all necessary support from registration until graduation.
They cover students who are approved for NSFAS funding for the following:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
They also receive allowances for:
- Food
- Personal care
- Learning Material
- Accommodation or transport
They provide extra support to students living with disabilities, such as
- Medical assessments: the Disability Unit/Student Support limits The assessment to one assessment for the duration of the qualification and on request.
- Assistive devices: Limited to one assistive device for the duration of the qualification.
- Human support: To cover the cost of human support such as a caregiver, guide-dog, scribe, tutor, or sign language interpreter.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?
If you are a South African citizen planning to study at a public university or TVET college and fall into one or more of the following categories, you are eligible for an NSFAS bursary:
- All SASSA grant recipients.
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per year.
- Persons with disabilities’ combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per year.
- Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per year.
2023 Appeals for New and Continuing Students
NSFAS has improved the 2023 appeals process to allow for direct interaction with students while the appeals are being processed. This capability was previously available to New Students and has now been expanded to include Continuing Students.
They will accept appeals beginning January 24, 2023. Students will have 30 days to file an appeal. Appeals with outstanding documents will be kept open for 14 days before NSFAS automatically closes the appeal application.
The student submits an appeal with supporting evidence within the timeframes specified. It is critical to note the new process and timelines.
