More than 300,000 applications for financial assistance for the 2023 academic year have been rejected by the financial aid provider due to not meeting the funding criteria.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the bursary scheme, giving an update on the funding decisions for the 2023 academic year.
The 2023 Nsfas funding application cycle opened on 28 September 2022 and closed at midnight on 31 January 2023.
Nsfas says that funding decisions for First Time Entering (FTEN) students who are also Sassa beneficiaries were made immediately on application.
“The Funding list for non-Sassa applicants and returning students have been released to institutions and applications were informed of their statuses via SMS and email using the contact details provided during applications,” says Nsfas.
According to the bursary scheme a total of 941,491 applicants have been confirmed for funding pending registration at a public university or TVET college.
However, about 317,335 applications were unsuccessful due to not meeting Nsfas funding requirements.
A further 206,781 applications are still awaiting evaluation, while 37,854 are awaiting financial eligibility assessment and confirmations from third parties.
Nsfas has urged all prospective students to check their messages, emails as well as their myNsfas accounts for any updates on their applications as they may require additional information from certain students.
Students are reminded that they can now also connect with the scheme via WhatsApp on 078 519 8006 and USSD code using *120*67327#.
Furthermore, the scheme noted that approximately 11 239 application appeals have been received to date.
Unsuccessful students wishing to appeal the schemes funding decision can do so via their myNsfas account, where they’ll be directed to the appeal tab for supporting documentation to be uploaded.
These students must submit their appeals within 30 days of receiving application result.
Additionally, in an effort to bring resources and information closer to students Nsfas has temporarily placed officials in universities and TVET colleges across the country to assist in resolving any queries or challenges students may have.
Nsfas officials will be on campus grounds until 17 February 2023.
