NSFAS has opened its application season for learners and out-of-school youth who will be studying at public universities and TVET colleges in 2022. However, some applicants have had trouble finding their courses listed on the NSFAS website. Advertisement
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has advised applicants who are trying to apply for a course that is not listed, to select ”Undefined”.
It is also imperative for you to check with the respective/prospective institutions if the course that you have chosen is an NSFAS funded qualification.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of South Africa, Dr. Blade Nzimande says as funding applications have opened, the government had to take an exhaustive exercise to categorise the students into five cohorts, which they believe will cover all students who have potential and are in need of funding:
1. First-Time Entering Students (FTEN) who are SASSA beneficiaries (Cohort 1)
2. Returning Students, who are also SASSA beneficiaries (Cohort 2)
3. First-Time Entering Students who are not SASSA beneficiaries (Cohort 3)
4. Returning Students, who are not SASSA beneficiaries (Cohort 4)
5. Students living with a disability (Cohort 5)
The above cohorts apply to all-natural citizens and permanent residents (As per the South African Citizenship Act, 1995 (Act No.88 of 1995).
The new NSFAS Board assures that the 2022 application process will handle student applications much more efficiently and make the application process seamless.
To apply for NSFAS funding, students can register online using either a smartphone, a personal computer, or even using the facilities at application centres.
Firstly, register for a myNSFAS account and submit your application online. Once your myNSFAS account is up and running, follow these simple steps to submit your application:
- Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen by providing the required information.
- Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
- Click on ‘Submit’ required information.
- And just like that, your NSFAS funding application has been submitted.
Documents needed to verify your NSFAS funding application are the following:
- All applicants must provide a copy of their ID. A temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs will be accepted.
- Non-SASSA applicants must provide ID copies of parent/s, legal guardian/guardian, or spouse.
- Smart ID cards: a copy with both sides of the smart ID must be provided.
- Proof of income: applicant and/or parents/legal guardian/spouse (where applicable (non-SASSA) should provide the latest payslip, not older than 3 months, UIF letter, appointment letter, retrenchment letter (applicant and/or parent(s), legal guardian/spouse).
- A person with disabilities: to complete Disability Annexure A form.
NSFAS will cover the following costs once your funding application becomes successful:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Living allowance
- Book allowance
- Incidental/personal care allowance
Applications for the 2022 academic year close on 07 January 2022.