The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) recently opened Trimester 2 applications. This special application window allows Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students to apply for funding from the government bursary scheme. However, applications won’t be open for long so students should start applying.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at TVET colleges. The funding not only includes money for tuition and registration fees but also includes several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
TVET College calendars have additional application periods compared to universities. This is because of the unique academic calendars TVET colleges have which allow students to begin their studies at different periods.
This also means that NSFAS has different application periods for TVET college students ensuring that students can apply for funding even if they did not start their programmes at the beginning of the year.
When Will NSFAS Trimester 2 Applications Close?
The NSFAS Trimester 2 applications will close on 31 May 2024. This gives students less than one month to submit their NSFAS bursary applications.
Don't miss the deadline - applications close on 31 May 2024!
How to Apply for NSFAS Trimester 2 Funding
There are two main ways to apply for NSFAS funding:
- Online Application: Visit the NSFAS website and navigate to the myNSFAS portal. This is the preferred method for submitting your application.
- College Assistance: Your college's financial aid office can also provide guidance and support throughout the application process.
Who is Eligible for NSFAS Trimester 2 Funding?
To qualify for NSFAS funding, you must be a South African citizen, be registered or plan to register for a qualifying programme at a TVET College, such as a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 qualification. and demonstrate financial need as determined by NSFAS's assessment.
Returning students must show satisfactory academic progress according to your college's policy or NSFAS's Bursary Rules. They must also comply with the N+Rule, which limits funding to a specific number of years per qualification level.
Students cannot receive funding for a qualification that replicates previous state-funded studies and their combined gross family income must fall within the NSFAS income threshold (currently R350,000 per year).
Applicants must have a confirmed offer of enrollment from their chosen TVET College.