Several suggestions have been discussed concerning the funding eligibility of students and when they should stop receiving funding from NSFAS.
A proposal was recently put forward which would require students from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, to have an 80% class attendance. The policy would have been a precursor to the payment of allowances to NSFAS students.
Is 80% Class Attendance A Requirement For NSFAS Funding?
No, the proposal of a 80% class attendance for NSFAS students was waived due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic resulted in a number of lockdowns which impacted on students' abilities to attend class.
Additionally, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) began the process of procuring laptops for NSFAS students in order to support the blended learning approach at institutions of higher learning in South Africa in response the the pandemic.
On average, 90% of students who required laptops were supported to obtain one, with 87% of NSFAS students supported to obtain laptops revealed the department.
The DHET has also said they are working with NSFAS and National Treasury to support the funding policy. The Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande also appointed a Ministerial Task Team (MTT) which began its work in June 2021.
The department said, “Work underway currently relates to the modelling required for the different high level policy options, as well as plans to work on identification of alternative funding sources. Making strides towards equitable access informed this strategic intent. To a large extent, this was achieved, but not without some impact on input resources required for quality educational outcomes".
