The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that 2024 NSFAS applications will open on Tuesday 21 November 2023. Thousands of prospective students are expected to submit NSFAS bursary applications during the 2024 application period.
The deadline for students to submit their NSFAS bursary applications is 31 January 2024, giving students just over two months to submit their applications.
The reason for opening in November is so that we can afford the beneficiary shorter turnaround times for decision making which is aligned to our financial eligibility assessment which requires updated SARS information.
NSFAS Funding
NSFAS provides comprehensive financial support to over one million students enrolled in approved programs at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The all-encompassing bursaries offered by NSFAS aim to cover all expenses associated with a student's tertiary education, including tuition and registration fees, as well as various allowances.
NSFAS provides students with accommodation, meals, and stationery allowances. For students living at home, a transport allowance is provided instead of the accommodation allowance, while those in catered accommodation do not receive a meal allowance.
All eligible students are encouraged to submit NSFAS applications during the 2024 application period. Grade 12 learners do not need to have their matric results to submit a NSFAS application. 2023 Matric results will be released in January 2024.
NSFAS has entered discussions with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to enhance the application validation process, particularly regarding parental relationships, to improve verification procedures for timely funding decisions.
Applicants are urged to provide accurate information during the submission of their NSFAS applications, as inaccuracies may lead to rejection.
South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries will continue to receive immediate funding decisions from NSFAS and are not required to submit supporting documents, except for learners with disabilities.
In the event of rejection, applicants have the option to submit a NSFAS appeal, with specific documents required depending on the reason for rejection.
NSFAS has announced the launch of a mobile application for 2024 applications, initially available for iPhone operating systems (iOS), Android, and later for HUAWEI devices.
The mobile app will include biometric capabilities to be implemented later in the year. Additionally, students can track their 2024 NSFAS application statuses and funding via WhatsApp at 078 519 8006 and USSD at 12067327#.
