On Wednesday, scores of matric learners sat for their first exam papers with the hopes of making it into a higher education institution in the following year, a majority of them will do so with the help of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) which opened 2022 applications on the same day.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced the opening for applications for learners and out of school youth from poor and working class backgrounds to apply for funding to study at public universities and TVET colleges in the country. He said considering the impact of the coronavirus, now more than ever, the demand for student funding has increased. “As the government, it is our duty to make sure that all those with potential are not prohibited by the lack of funds and we are proud of what this new board has delivered. The board has assured me that the 2022 application process will handle student application efficiently and make the application process seamless.”
Minister Nzimande said under its new board and management team, NSFAS is working hard to ensure that it operates as an effective and efficient entity, fulfilling its core mandate in the best possible way. “My department and ministry will continue to do everything possible to support NSFAS in continuing on this developmental trajectory. I would also like to make the point that our departmental cohort studies have shown that NSFAS students perform on average at a higher level than the whole cohort of undergraduate students.”
The application process is also open to individuals who are already enrolled at institutions but are without funding and qualify financially for NSFAS funding. The application system will be open from 2 November 2021 until 7 January 2022 when the NSC results are released. Minister Nzimande said: “This was to allow students to apply well in advance before the upcoming academic year, but most importantly to allow NSFAS to process these applications in time, before the approaching academic year starts and to give students time to submit missing supporting documents if necessary.”
Normally the application season has previously been opened from September to November annually. However, with the disruptions caused by Covid-19 to the academic year in both basic and higher education, the department shifted the dates to accommodate all learners and students. “I am aware that there has been some concern about the perceived late opening of applications in 2021. However, I would like to reassure you that this will, in no way, disadvantage those who seek NSFAS support for their post-school studies,” Minister Nzimande said.
To apply visit www.nsfas.org.za and if you do not have a digital device or access to the internet, your local National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) or Thusong Centre can help. Prospective students are urged to apply to institutions via their application processes for a study place, as funding is only offered to students who are eligible for funding from NSFAS (financial eligibility) and who obtain a firm place to study in an approved programme at a public
