The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is the primary way government funds are distributed to eligible students. The Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology alongside NSFAS aims to bridge the inequality gap by ensuring that underprivileged students are able to access higher education.
NSFAS is responsible for identifying these needy students according to set criteria. Students who do not meet the requirements will not be allowed to receive funding. Students will be automatically excluded based on the following;
Not a first-year student
Only students who are planning to enrol in an academic course for the first time are considered for funding. Students who have previously completed a qualification will be disqualified from the selection process.
Household income exceeds R350 000 p/a
Do you know how much your parents or guardians earn? According to the NSFAS website, students will not be funded if their household income exceeds R350 000 per annum or R29 166 per month. NSFAS targets poor and working-class families only.
Foreign students not funded
Unfortunately, financial support will only be given to South African citizens. Foreign citizens must seek financial assistance from their own governments, companies or private beneficiaries.
No university or college placement
Financial assistance is only considered for students who have been accepted at a higher learning institution and meet all the requirements to study towards their chosen qualification.
Private training providers not included
NSFAS only funds public higher learning institutions such as universities and TVET colleges. If you want to study at a private college you need to seek financial assistance elsewhere. Still not sure if NSFAS will fund you? To find out if you qualify visit http://www.nsfas.org.za/content/bursary-scheme.html
