NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, which is a South African government agency responsible for providing financial assistance to eligible students to help them pay for their tertiary education. The scheme provides bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are enrolled in universities, TVET colleges and other higher education institutions.
To qualify for NSFAS funding, students must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident, coming from a disadvantaged family background and meeting the academic criteria set by the institution they are enrolled in. The funding provided by NSFAS covers tuition fees, accommodation costs and other related expenses.
NSFAS has launched two new communication channels through which students can access critical information regarding their funding applications.
Students who applied for bursaries from NSFAS can now use three different platforms to view the status of their 2023 funding applications. Previously, students could view their NSFAS application status on the myNSFAS portal, however, the new platforms are easy to use.
Applicants can now view their NSFAS bursary application status on the new NSFAS WhatsApp line and a USSD code.
Applicants should add NSFAS on WhatsApp on 078 519 8006 or by dialling *120*67327 to track their application status.
“Join us on WhatsApp or connect using the NSFAS USSD for a fast and efficient way to track your NSFAS application” declared the scheme.
Students who are interested in applying for a NSFAS bursary have just one day remaining to submit their application. This as the 2023 NSFAS applications close on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.
Here’s The Qualifying Criteria For NSFAS
- South African Citizen
- Household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum (able-bodies students)
- Household income not exceeding R600,000 per annum (students living with a disability)
- Studying an approved course at a public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college.
- Beneficiaries of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants automatically qualify for funding
NSFAS received more than one million funding applications for the 2023 academic year. Sassa grant beneficiaries accounted for 150,000 funding applications and were immediately approved for funding.
A NSFAS bursary provides comprehensive funding to deserving students and aims to cover all the costs related to their studies. This includes tuition costs, accommodation costs, stationery costs, meal costs and transportation costs.
