Are you wanting to apply for a NSFAS bursary? Well, keep reading as the Minister of Higher Education has now announced when NSFAS applications for 2022 will be opening and closing.
NSFAS and the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, held a briefing on Thursday morning to announce the official opening of NSFAS applications for 2022 bursaries.
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When NSFAS Applications For 2022 Will Open and close?
NSFAS applications for 2022 will open on 2 November and close on 7 January. This means that NSFAS applications will be open for just over 2 months.
Usually, applications open from September to November which was so that NSFAS could process applications before the next academic year starts. On this year’s delay, Nzimande said:
I’m aware that there’s been some concern about the perceived late opening of the applications this year. However, I’d like to reassure everyone and the country as a whole, that this will in no way disadvantage those who seek NSFAS support for their post-school studies.
The NSFAS board has now developed a new applications process which are user-friendly and provide real-time responses without compromising the validation process. Applicants will then be able to see if they qualify as soon as they submit their application.
Time was needed to perfect this process which meant that applications could not open in September as usual, explained Nzimande.
The Minister said, “I’m assured by NSFAS that the new faster application process will make up for any perceived lost time and will see many students receive their funding results much faster”.
The categories of students who can apply are as follows:
- First time entering students who are SASSA beneficiaries
- Returning students who are SASSA beneficiaries
- First time entering students who are not SASSA beneficiaries
- Returning students who are not SASSA beneficiaries
- Students living with disabilities
National citizens and permanent residents are only allowed to apply.
Applications, after being submitted, are run through databases of the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Department of Home Affairs, Department of Basic Education, Independent Examinations Board and Credit Bureaus, to assess whether the applicant qualifies.