Last year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) put forth several policy changes to ensure smooth operations during the 2023 academic year. However, the late release of matric results has prompted concerns about whether it would delay funding outcomes.
While matric learners are under immense stress as they await their results, more pressure is applied regarding their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) applications for the upcoming academic year.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, has assured current and prospective students entering tertiary education that the announcement and the release of the matriculation results will not affect the state of readiness for the Post-School Education and Training 2023 academic year.
The matric results are expected to be released on 19 and 20 January, 2023.
Nzimande has stated that application statuses for students who applied for funding from the Nsfas will be communicated to all applicants once Nsfas has received confirmation from the institution of the applicant's choice that an academic offer has been made.
This will be communicated to students via SMS, email, and through the student’s myNsfas account.
Those applying for first-time funding from Nsfas and who were in Grade 12 in 2022, will typically hear from the tertiary institutions they applied to regarding their acceptance after the matric results have been released.
Prospective students are advised to continue to liaise with the universities of their choices through the relevant communication channels. Registration for universities for the 2023 academic year commenced from the 16th of January, and is anticipated to close on 20 February, 2023.
Further details on the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) state of readiness will be announced by the Minister before the end of January, during Nzimande's annual media briefing following the final engagements with all relevant stakeholders within the Post-School Education and Training Sector.
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