The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) government bursary caters to students who have a total combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum, whilst students who are living with a disability are required to have a total combined household income of not more than R600 000 per annum.
In an interview, NSFAS spokesperson Slumezi Skosana has shared:
At this moment, the government bursary scheme does not have a compromise on the household income threshold and students who fall above it will not receive funding.
This is one of the reasons why some students were rejected for funding for the 2023 academic year, however there is an opportunity for students to submit an appeal.
The Independent Appeals Tribunal looks at these cases, and should they exceed the income threshold, then they won’t be reconsidered for funding.
Some experts called on the Higher Education sector and its stakeholders to look for a funding model that will help benefit this group of students.
Skosana confirmed that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is working on a comprehensive student funding model that will benefit the missing middle students.
As part of the long-term development of a new, comprehensive student funding policy, the government should explore the establishment of a loan scheme to support “missing middle” students in accessing higher education and training, said DHET Acting Deputy Director-General: Universities, Education and Training, Dr Thandi Lewin.
Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande has also reiterated that the department is currently working within the policy framework, with plans to avail loans and bursaries and direct these efforts toward students located within the scarce skills categories.
