If you are an Nsfas-funded student, you are likely among those who are currently unable to afford but will need digital equipment such as a laptop and a reliable internet connection for your studies. Fortunately, the DHET and NSFAS are aware of this and are looking to do something about it.
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) recently announced the National Student Financial Aid Scheme's (Nsfas) state of readiness for the disbursement of laptops to its funded higher education students this year.
According to the speech delivered by Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, Nsfas has taken several steps to ensure that the laptop disbursement process is effective, efficient and secure.
Nzimande stated that the bursary scheme has responded to the underlying impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the higher education sector by launching a digital device program which saw the delivery of laptops to TVET College and university students through a formal procurement process.
Nsfas executives indicated that they are currently working with mobile network providers to deliver specific Nsfas-funded students devise packages that include a laptop with monthly pre-loaded data. This is because they have realised that students need both laptops and data.
It is to this end, that Nsfas is currently engaging mobile network operators to enter into partnership agreements with Nsfas, to develop a specified Nsfas student device package, which shall include a laptop and pre-loaded data every month.
The packages can be procured with NSFAS allowances and the process is expected to be concluded in the first quarter of 2023.
The government has allocated a budget of R47.6 billion for student funding, with R38.6 billion for universities and R8.9 billion for TVET Colleges, which will be received in four tranche payments throughout the academic year.
This means that all eligible students enrolled in institutions of higher learning will receive funding, and Nsfas will make early payments to universities to lessen the financial burden.
Nsfas plans to provide upfront payments to universities in the amount of R3.5 billion and to TVET colleges in the amount of R2.7 billion.
Nsfas's announcement of its state of readiness for the disbursement of laptops to funded higher education students this year is a positive development for students who face challenges accessing technology resources.
