Over 40 000 Students Defunded By NSFAS, Here's What's Next


Please share this article

Advertisement


The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive bursaries to deserving students with a proven financial need. The financial aid scheme is committed to ensuring only deserving students receiving a bursary and has defunded more than 40 000 students who are found to be unworthy. 


Advertisement


More than 40 000 students have been defunded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This was revealed by NSFAS board chairperson, Earnst Khosa in a media briefing on Monday. 

NSFAS held a media briefing on Monday afternoon to update the public on the current state of affairs at the financial aid scheme with Khosa taking the opportunity to address concerns around the defunding of students. 

Khosa explained that NSFAS has faced challenges in the past whereby students who did not deserve to be funded received a bursary from the scheme. This prompted the scheme to improve its verification checks to ensure only deserving students receive funding. 

NSFAS teamed out with third-party entities to assist with the verification of student information. These entities include the South African Revenue Service (SARS), state security agencies and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). 

These partnerships have proven to be fruitful in helping NSFAS make informed decisions 

This aimed to prevent students from submitting outdated, falsified or fraudulent data to illegally receive funding from NSFAS. 

NSFAS then sought to re-evaluate applications whose funding have been approved. This revaluation found that some students who are receiving funding were not deserving. 

They submitted falsified documents or fraudulent documents and these had to be instantly defunded as continuation of knowingly funding individuals who do not meet funding requirements would be going against the provisions of funding policy whilst depriving deserving students. 

Khosa says that 45 987 students were affected by these actions.

Universities South Africa (USAf) has said that "the defunding of students in the middle of the academic year has caused challenges for the students and the universities."

NSFAS has provided neither the reasons for the revocation of student bursaries nor a mechanism of appeal for the defunded students. Those students who have tried to reach NSFAS have been unsuccessful.

The organisation continued to say that this is a source of frustration among students and staff alike, and is also contributing to the instability at universities.  

NSFAS has acknowledged that mistakes can happen when such actions are taken and said they are communicating with the students who have been affected student. If mistakes were made on the part of NSFAS, the onus rests on the student to submit supporting documents and prove they are deserving of the NSFAS bursary. 

Khosa concluded that NSFAS are dealing with appeals with extreme care. 

Suggested Article:

nsfas briefing

More than one million students are currently receiving comprehensive bursaries from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. However, several challenges are preventing students from accessing their bursaries. 


Advertisement


WhatsApp Channel

Advertisement

Advertisement

Google News

Advertisement


Post-Matric Options

 

After completing your matric certificate exams, you are faced with a multitude of post-matric options that can shape your future paths.

These options range from pursuing higher education at universities or colleges, entering vocational training programs, joining the workforce, or even considering entrepreneurial ventures, each offering unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.

You've probably been contemplating the next chapter of your life all throughout the year asking yourself, 'what am I going to study after I finish completing my matric certificate exams?', 'am I going to study? What else can I do when I pass'? Well, we can help.

Advertisement


Where to Study


Advertisement


Other Articles

In light of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), Dr Corrin Varady, CEO of IDEA, highlights the urgent need for South Africa to address school infrastructure backlogs, a root cause of overcrowding, particularly impacting special needs learners and the broader education system. School overcrowding is crowding out inclusive education.


Advertisement


Latest SASSA articles

Once you have applied for your Sassa grant you need to keep track of your application status to ensure that you get paid. We have all the details for you on how to check your Sassa application status.

SASSA's functioning to distribute social grants to needy South Africans depends on a team of dedicated professionals. Thus, vacancies within the organization are crucial for its successful operation and are often sought after by job seekers across the country.

Editors choice

In an ideal world, every girl should have equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations and be the best version of themselves. Unfortunately, we live in a society where disadvantaged children face many challenges that hinder their ability to reach their full potential.


Advertisement


Careers Advice

South Africa is grappling with a youth unemployment rate of 43.4%. The Youth Employment Services offers not just employment prospects for unemployed youth, but also extensive assistance, skill enhancement, and a launching pad for young individuals to embark on their journeys in the professional sphere.
 


Advertisement