NSFAS Confirms 2024 Applications Have Not Yet Opened

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has released a statement which notifies students that NSFAS funding applications for the 2024 academic year are not open yet. These false messages have been circulating on social media. 

NSFAS said:

Please note that NSFAS funding applications for the 2024 academic year are NOT open yet as per the current messages being circulated on social media. We encourage applicants to check our official social media platforms for the 2024 applications opening dates.

How To Self-Verify Posts Related To NSFAS

Applicants are encouraged to check official NSFAS platforms for the 2024 application opening date. Students are urged to be aware of fake websites and social media platforms advising students to share their personal details and apply for funding via links. 

NSFAS is tasked with providing financial aid to students to attend tertiary education. NSFAS bursaries have become a lifesaver to many. 

While social media offers numerous benefits, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has reminded students that it is essential to remain vigilant and cautious when navigating online spaces as online scammers are known for taking advantage of vulnerable and unsuspecting students.

Online scammers are known to impersonate NSFAS officials, create fake websites, and employ various deceptive tactics to deceive students and steal their allowances. 

Make sure that the information you read surrounding NSFAS comes from credible sources, such as the official NSFAS channels or the Careers Portal.  

Students are urged to only make use of the correct NSFAS website and the official NSFAS social media pages when requesting information. 

How To Keep Your myNSFAS account Safe

• Always keep your username and password safe.
• Do not share any of your personal information.
• Always logout on your account when using your personal computer, laptop or internet cafes.
• Ensure to at least reset your password once a month. This will prevent fraudsters to having your resent credentials. Keep your new password safe.
• NSFAS officials will never call you and ask to share your passwords.

Fraudulent Websites

These fake pages and websites may use similar logos, branding, and even share seemingly legitimate information, making it difficult for students to discern the authenticity of the account.

NSFAS has since identified several malicious sites which mimics the official NSFAS portals, and have since advised students to be on the lookout for.

Five fraudulent sites to be on the lookout for: 

1. celbuxss.unaux.com 
2. mynsfasstudentportal.unaux.com
3. mynsfasstudentportal.unaux.com
4. mynsfasportals.000webhostapp.com
5. mynsfasportal.epizy.com

Applying For NSFAS Has Requirements 

Before applying, students need to ensure that they meet the bursary admission criteria. Here are the NSFAS bursary admission criteria:

• A South African citizen.
• Financially needy as determined by the NSFAS means test.
• Academically deserving and can demonstrate the ability to succeed in your studies.
• If you have applied or are applying to study at a public university or TVET College for a qualification.
• You need to have passed Grade 09/10/11/12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a TVET College.
• You need to have passed Grade 12 to receive NSFAS funding to study at a university.
• All applicants currently receiving SASSA grants will not be means tested.

Students interested in applying for the bursary may visit the NSFAS website to get started. Applicants will first need to register and create a myNSFAS account which will serve as a way to check their application status and funding throughout the year. 

How To Submit Your NSFAS Online Application

1. Create a myNsfas account.
   • If you have an existing myNsfas account, click on 'login' when going to myNsfas and complete your information.
   • If you don't have a myNsfas account, click on 'Create account.'
2. Log into your myNsfas account.
3. Click on 'Apply'.
4. Answer the questions on the screen.
5. Upload the required supporting documents.
6. Click on 'Submit'.
7. You will then receive an application reference number.

Successful NSFAS applicants are awarded a bursary that covers their tuition fees and a number of allowances to cover monthly expenses. These allowances cover transport, learning devices or textbooks, food and accommodation.