The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals from poor and working-class backgrounds can obtain a tertiary education qualification. This is done through the provision of comprehensive bursaries that aim to cover all the cost students may accrue during their studies.
Students enrolled in approved programmes at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges will apply for the comprehensive bursaries provided by NSFAS during 2023. This is because the financial aid scheme revealed when the NSFAS Trimester 3 application period will open.
Here’s When NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications Will Open
NSFAS trimester application will open on 4 September 2023. The application period will close 20 September 2023. This gives students at TVET colleges just over two weeks to submit a NSFAS application as there is just 16 days to apply.
The opening and closing dates for 2023 NSFAS TVET walk-in applications are aligned closely to the TVET academic calendar issued by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
Related Article: How To Login To MyNsfas Student Portal
Important Tips For NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications
NSFAS has urged students to ensure that their application is complete. This is because many students have created profiles on the myNSFAS platform and assumed that is meant they had submitted an application for funding.
This is not the case, simply creating a profile on the myNSFAS platform does not constitute a completed funding application.
While the application period will only open in one month’s time, it may be helpful to begin preparing your NSFAS application. An important component of this preparation is gathering all the documents required for a NSFAS application.
TVET College Courses Funded My NSFAS
NSFAS only funds certain courses offered at TVET colleges. These courses include engineering studies courses, business and utility studies courses, education and development courses and marketing and management courses.
- Engineering Studies - (National Certificate -Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Engineering studies - Report 191 N1-N6
- Engineering and Related Design; Electrical Infrastructure; Civil Engineering Construction and Information Technology & Computer Science
- Business & Utility Studies (National Certificate – Vocational) NQF levels 2-4 & Report 191 N1-N6
- Management; Marketing; Finance; Office Administration; Economics & Accounting; Education & Development; Hospitality; Tourism; Safety in Society and Transport & Logistics
- Pre-Learning Programme (PLP) funding through NSFAS
A common question we get asked at Skills Portal is does NSFAS fund NATED programmes?
NATED courses are undergraduate qualifications delivered under the guidance of the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations and the Department of Higher Education and Training.
These certifications combine theory and practical work and are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
NSFAS does fund NATED Courses. Students enrolled in NATED courses at TVET colleges can apply for NSFAS funding.
What's Needed For NSFAS Application For TVET College Students
The process for submitting a NSFAS application for TVET college students is simple and can be completed in a single sitting. However, applicants must have an internet connection to complete a NSFAS application.
Here’s A Step-by-step Guide for Submitting A NSFAS Application
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website
Step 2: Click on the “myNSFAS” tab
Step 3: Create a myNSFAS account
Step 4: Click on the “APPLY” tab and complete the sections on the screen
Step 5: Upload all the required documents for NSFAS applications.
Step 6: Click on “Submit” to complete your NSFAS application.
It's important to note that applications can be submitted online, at your TVET college bursary office or the NSFAS head office.
After Submitting Your NSFAS Application
After successfully submitting your NSFAS application, you will be able to check your NSFAS application status. Your NSFAS application status will indicate whether or not NSFAS will fund you for the current academic year.
How To Check Your NSFAS Application Status
Step 1: Log in to your NSFAS account on the myNSFAS student portal here
Step 2: Enter your username and password and sign in
Step 3: Click on Track Funding Progress
Step 4: You will then be able to track funding progress and check your NSFAS status
Once there, there are a number of results you might receive when doing a NSFAS status check while applying for NSFAS funding.
Click Here For An Explanation Of What Your NSFAS Application Means
If your NSFAS application status is approved, you will receive comprehensive funding from NSFAS. This includes fully paid tuition and registration fees along with several allowances.
Can University Students Apply During NSFAS Trimester 3 Applications?
University students cannot submit a NSFAS application during the Trimester 3 application period. The trimester applications period are exclusively for students enrolled in approved programmes at TVET Colleges.
