All You Need to Know About NSFAS

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an important resource for South African students seeking financial assistance to pursue their higher education studies. This blog post provides essential information about NSFAS eligibility criteria, allowances, accommodation costs, and when to expect this support.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this student funding program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
Be registered or intend to register at a public higher education institution.
Family income must not exceed a specific threshold, which is updated annually.

NSFAS website provides updated eligibility criteria that are usually reviewed annually. Do check that out before you make your application.

How to Apply for NSFAS

Study Allowances for Students

NSFAS offers various study allowances tailored for different types of institutions such as universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges. Allowances also differ per needs of the students and their condotions. For example, students with disabilities may get special allowances to help them cover for their special needs.

Students staying outside campus may require transportation to the school premises and NSFAS may provide an allowance to cover transportation.

These allowances are designed to reduce financial burdens for students while they pursue their studies. Up to R15,000 per annum may be provided as living expenses.

Accommodation Costs

This bursary covers accommodation costs for eligible students. This can include:

On-campus accommodation provided by the institution.
Off-campus accommodation that meets specific criteria established by the scheme.

Students are encouraged to check the guidelines to ensure that their accommodation expenses are covered. When applying for this bursary, you are also required to apply for accommodation support if needed.

NSFAS Laptop for Students

In an effort to enhance educational access, NSFAS provides laptops to eligible students. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all students have the necessary tools for their studies. Not everyone gets these laptops, only eligible students who meet the specific criteria.

When Are NSFAS Allowances Paid to Students?

Allowances from this scheme are generally disbursed at the beginning of each academic term. It is recommended for students to stay informed about specific payment dates by checking notifications from their respective institutions or the myNSFAS portal.

Does NSFAS Cover Transport Fees?

Yes, NSFAS covers transport for students staying off campus up to 40 km from the institution and up to R7 500 per annum ·

Bursary Repayments: Do I Pay It Back?

NSFAS funding is considered a bursary, which means that it does not need to be repaid if the recipient completes their studies and graduates. However, if a student fails to meet the criteria set by NSFAS, there may be conditions under which repayment is required.

In Summary

In summary, NSFAS plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance to students in need. By understanding the eligibility criteria and the benefits this program offers, students can maximize their chances of success in securing funding to complete their studies. Do check the NSFAS website for updates on eligibility criteria and application periods.