NSFAS To Introduce New Student Funding Model


Please share this article

Advertisement


While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds more than one million financially vulnerable students, there are many more students in the post school education sector who require financial support to pay for their studies. The introduction of a Comprehensive Student Funding model is aimed at assisting these students. 


Advertisement i


Deputy President Paul Mashatile believes that a proposal outlining a new funding model for student funding will be presented to the Cabinet by the conclusion of 2023. The funding model is set to incorporate funding solutions for students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries. 

The Deputy President was responding to questions in the National Assembly on Thursday where he emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring that any new funding scheme accommodates the "missing middle," enabling them to secure loans for their educational expenses. 

The “missing middle” refers to students who come from households that exceed the NSFAS household income threshold. While they are considered “too rich” for NSFAS, they cannot afford the costs associated with higher education.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzidmande explained that its main objective is to implement measures specifically targeting students within the missing middle-income groups by offering loans to missing middle students, particularly those enrolled in scarce skills categories.

Mashatile added that another objective for the implementation of the comprehensive student funding model is to prevent students from dropping out of university due to financial challenges while extending support to existing students. 

The proposed funding model seeks to ensure that in the new academic year, particularly 2024, there will be the following: a retention of existing funding for poor students in the income bracket of R0 to R350,000 per annum per household, [and] a funding strategy for the missing middle, which includes engaging with the financial sector to support by providing loans to students within that bracket.

Challenges At NSFAS 

NSFAS has been under the spotlight in recent months. Challenges related to students being unable to access their monthly allowances and the dismissal of the former CEO due to irregular procurement are a cause for concern. 

The Minister of Higher Education did present that model to Cabinet. He has been working hard with his team to ensure that we do meet the demands of our students

Mashatile acknowledged that an ongoing investigation will address issues related to direct payments of NSFAS allowances and appointed service providers. 

NSFAS 2024 Applications Opening Soon 

NSFAS announced that 2024 applications will commence on Tuesday, 21 November 2023. Prospective students can submit their online NSFAS application until 31 January 2024 on the official NSFAS website.

Suggested Article:

nsfas table to submit nsfas documents

NSFAS applications are open and students are encouraged to apply on myNSFAS so that they can be financed for the first step to a great future. Part of applying is that you have to submit documents to NSFAS so you might ask yourself, which documents then? Well, here 's the answer. 






WIN R1000

You Can Win R1000!

Sassa Grant Payments

Do You Have To Reapply For The SRD Grant For July 2025?
How To Do A Sassa Status Check For August 2025

Online Shopping Links

Loot - Takealot - Temu - Amazon - Shein





Advertisement


Sponsored Ad

Advertisement

Advertisement

Post-Matric Options

 

We helped you with past papers for your matric exams, so hopefully you are happy with your Matric results. So now you are faced with a lot of post-matric options that can shape your future paths. You might want to study law, teaching, or nursing. Of course studying is expensive so we have helpful advice about student loans, NSFAS bursaries, Fundi loans, ISFAP, and lots of other funding options.

These options range from pursuing higher education at universities , TVET Colleges or  private colleges, finding student accommodation, entering vocational training programs (like Learnerships and internships), joining the workforce, or even starting your own business. There are so many choices but we are here to help.

Advertisement


Latest SASSA articles

In an attempt to slow down all the fake news that is spreading daily, SASSA have gone public to confirm that social grants are not cancelled even while some accounts are being reviewed. 

Sassa distributes 18 million permanent grants to vulnerable people living in South Africa. Individuals who require relief submit Sassa grant applications every month to access this relief provided by the government and will need to do a Sassa status check.

Where to Study


Advertisement m


Other Articles

Thousands of students attending public institutions of higher learning receive funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Here’s how much allowances are for students at South Africa’s largest university for August 2025.


Advertisement


Latest SASSA articles

In an attempt to slow down all the fake news that is spreading daily, SASSA have gone public to confirm that social grants are not cancelled even while some accounts are being reviewed. 

Sassa distributes 18 million permanent grants to vulnerable people living in South Africa. Individuals who require relief submit Sassa grant applications every month to access this relief provided by the government and will need to do a Sassa status check.


Advertisement


Careers Advice

Looking to work at Rand Water? Whether you're into engineering, administration, water quality, or just want to be part of something that keeps the taps running, Rand Water is a great place to grow your career. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you apply for jobs and boost your chances of success.


Advertisement i