Category Archives: NSFAS

NSFAS thanks the youth for the 2024 Application Drive

NSFAS applications for 2024 funding have closed and we would like to thank all young people who took part and applied for funding. NSFAS applications opened from 01 August 2024 and remained opened until midnight, 30 November.

“We opened the applications for four months, and in that period we received a total of 267 866 online applications, a quarter of which came through in the last week of applications. We made a promise that our processes will run smoothly, and today we can announce that our online systems did not fail,” said NSFAS CEO Steven Zwane.

To ensure that the application campaign was a success, NSFAS employed more than one hundred graduates as Student Support Officers, partnered with NYDA to have point of presence in key town and cities, capacitated the service centred to enable virtual assistance, improved our online systems and simplified our application form. These key intervention made it easier for those in need of financial assistance to apply for NSFAS bursaries and loans.

The patriotism showed by our employees throughout the period is commendable. We are grateful to the NYDA for their support throughout the campaign. When we approached NYDA about our plans and visions for the 2024 application drive they fully committed to our request and offered their support. We would also like to thank all applicants for the step they have taken to be in control of their futures. NSFAS will evaluate all applications throughout the month of December. Applicants who are in Matric this year and out of school youth, will receive the outcomes of their applications via SMS in January 2024. For NSFAS funded students who will be continuing with their studies in 2024, we will reconcile their academic performance data with their respective institutions for their 2024 funding confirmation which will also be shared via SMS and their respective institutions.

NSFAS is fully committed to providing financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries and will continue to show commitment by improving its services.

“We would like to request all the young people who applied not to change the Cellphone numbers they provided in their application forms because NSFAS will use these numbers to send them the outcomes of their applications in January,” Zwane concluded.

NSFAS would like commend the next generation for taking charge of their own future by applying for financial aid in order to gain access to institutions of higher learning, and for working hard towards attaining the required acceptance. Issued by
Steven Zwane
Chief Executive Officer

Media Enquries:
Phatisa Ntlonze, Media Liaison Officer,
078 144 5980 | media@nsfas.org.za
Cell: 078 144 5980.

NSFAS thanks the youth for the 2024 Application Drive

NSFAS applications for 2024 funding have closed and we would like to thank all young people who took part and applied for funding. NSFAS applications opened from 01 August 2024 and remained opened until midnight, 30 November.

“We opened the applications for four months, and in that period we received a total of 267 866 online applications, a quarter of which came through in the last week of applications. We made a promise that our processes will run smoothly, and today we can announce that our online systems did not fail,” said NSFAS CEO Steven Zwane.

To ensure that the application campaign was a success, NSFAS employed more than one hundred graduates as Student Support Officers, partnered with NYDA to have point of presence in key town and cities, capacitated the service centred to enable virtual assistance, improved our online systems and simplified our application form. These key intervention made it easier for those in need of financial assistance to apply for NSFAS bursaries and loans.

The patriotism showed by our employees throughout the period is commendable. We are grateful to the NYDA for their support throughout the campaign. When we approached NYDA about our plans and visions for the 2024 application drive they fully committed to our request and offered their support. We would also like to thank all applicants for the step they have taken to be in control of their futures. NSFAS will evaluate all applications throughout the month of December. Applicants who are in Matric this year and out of school youth, will receive the outcomes of their applications via SMS in January 2024. For NSFAS funded students who will be continuing with their studies in 2024, we will reconcile their academic performance data with their respective institutions for their 2024 funding confirmation which will also be shared via SMS and their respective institutions.

NSFAS is fully committed to providing financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries and will continue to show commitment by improving its services.

“We would like to request all the young people who applied not to change the Cellphone numbers they provided in their application forms because NSFAS will use these numbers to send them the outcomes of their applications in January,” Zwane concluded.

NSFAS would like commend the next generation for taking charge of their own future by applying for financial aid in order to gain access to institutions of higher learning, and for working hard towards attaining the required acceptance. Issued by
Steven Zwane
Chief Executive Officer

Media Enquries:
Phatisa Ntlonze, Media Liaison Officer,
078 144 5980 | media@nsfas.org.za
Cell: 078 144 5980.

The NSFAS Bursary Agreement form is ready and available for signing

The NSFAS Bursary Agreement form is ready and available for signing

15 May 2024

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Bursary Agreement (NBA) is now available for students to sign. The NBA is applicable to First Time Entering Students (FTENs) only and senior students that are receiving for NSFAS funding for the first time. The bursary agreements came as a result of the fee-free education pronouncement and will be replacing the previous loan agreement form which students signed to enable NSFAS to make payments towards their tuition and allowances.

The NBA has been released to the students whose registration data has been received by NSFAS from institutions. On Thursday 10 May the first tranche of notifications for NBAs was sent to students from the University of Cape Town, Sol Plaatjie University, Mfolozi, Port Elizabeth, and Motheo TVET Colleges respectively. These students received e-mail notifications with a link for them to sign the NBA online. The scheme anticipates that all tranches will be out by May 31st, 2024.

In the event that the online signing option is not functioning optimally, NSFAS will make available a manual NBA for onsite physical signing, which will be driven by the NSFAS Servicing Team via the Financial Aid Offices in the various campuses. However, we do want to discourage students for waiting for paper signing when they can sign online.

NSFAS is aware that students change their contact details and that the cell phone numbers registered at NSFAS systems may no longer be valid. Students who have changed their contact details since the time of application are requested to email the following supporting documents to uds@nsfas.org.za to have their details updated on the system:
1. Certified copy of their green barcoded ID or smart card
2. A completed affidavit specifying that they have changed their cell phone number; with the new and old number listed.

The NSFAS Servicing Team will generate weekly reports on the number of NBAs generated and signed and ensure that these are shared with universities. We will release daily updates on our Twitter page @mynsfas to show where students are delaying in signing of the NBA.

Disbursements and Remittances
Disbursements can only be done for students that have signed their NBAs, noting that senior students that qualified for renewal of funding will automatically receive payments without signing a new NBA. NSFAS will provide monthly Remittance Reports to institutions for the payments made for students and will offset payments against the Upfront payments made earlier in the year. NSFAS has already paid stipends to students via institution worth R6 billion for the month of Jan – June, 2024. Automated disbursement through the NSFAS system will only kick in from July 2024.

Issued by Kagisho Mamabolo NSFAS Spokesperson, on behalf of Management.

Contact Information
Phatisa Ntlonze, Media Liaison
Media Enquries:
media@nsfas.org.za

SIGN YOUR LAF OR SOP 2024

SIGN YOUR LAF OR SOP 2024

Our aim:

To transform NSFAS into an efficient and effective provider of financial aid to students from poor and working class families in a sustainable manner that promotes access to, and success in, higher and further education and training, in pursuit of South Africa’s national and human resource development goals.

Sign your Loan Agreement Form (LAF) or Schedule of Particulars (SOP) Online

  • STEP 1: Click here to sign your LAF or SOP online
  • STEP 2: Enter your ID Number and click on the search button
  • STEP 3: Once you have clicked on the search button you will receive your One Time Pin (OTP) either as an email or SMS.
    Please note that if you are a minor under the age of 18 at the time your LAF or SOP is ready to be signed online then your legal guardian or parent will receive the OTP and will need to follow steps 4 – 9
  • STEP 4: Enter the OTP* sent to you from NSFAS * If you have not received a OTP click the resend OTP button
  • STEP 5: Click on the login button
  • STEP 6: Read the LAF or SOP by clicking on the folder icon
  • STEP 7: Enter your cellphone number and email address
  • STEP 8: Agree to the funder terms and conditions by clicking on the checkbox
  • STEP 9: Click on the submit button
  • A One Time Pin (OTP) is a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that NSFAS will send only once to your cellphone number to confirm that you are the person logging in to accept the LAF or SOP

NSFAS funds nearly 300 000, expects to admit more for the class of 2024

NSFAS funds nearly 300 000, expects to admit more for the class of 2024

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has approved funding to at least 291 747 students who applied for financial assistance for 2024, and expects to increase this record pool by 17 February 2024, which will be a closing date for TVET college applications. The majority of the students are already registered at universities, while the registration for TVET colleges is still underway.

Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, today in Parliament, Board Chairperson, Sizwe Nxasana said more than 180 944 of these students are at universities while 110 803 are TVET college students. Of the 180 944 university students, 71 098 are new students while 109 846 are returning students.

“While the closing date for application for financial assistance at the TVET colleges is 17 February, already 15 375 new students and 95 428 of returning students in the TVET colleges have been approved,” Nxasana said.

NSFAS management has acknowledged the delays in communicating the outcome of results to some of the students, and said the delays could be attributed to a number of challenges, including the changes in last year’s academic calendars at some institutions and a significant number of applications that had missing supporting documents.

Overall, 9 976 applications were unsuccessful due to financial ineligibility, as they were categorised within the “missing-middle” category. However, these students may appeal the decision. Details of the appeal process are on the NSFAS website – www.nsfas.org.za.

Issued by:

Kagisho Mamabolo
NSFAS Spokesperson

Enquiries: Media Liaison Office
Mr Tsepo Khanye, 079 348 0894 or 021 763 3200
Mr Siphe Matomela, 074 851 5277
Email: media@nsfas.org.za

Walter Sisulu University NSFAS Details 2024

Walter Sisulu University NSFAS Details 2024

NEW NSFAS ONLINE APPLICATION PROCESS TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ ACCESSIBILITY

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has started the roll-out of the Student Centered Model by opening online applications as from Monday, 01 August 2024 until 30 November 2024.

The Student Centered Model is meant to open a direct relationship between NSFAS and its students, from registration phase to completion of their studies. The system will help in alleviating payment delays and new applications for funding every year.
The application requirements are as follows:
• Students who have never received NSFAS funding must apply online
• All students who were previously funded by NSFAS but are not funded in 2024 must apply online
• All students who have signed their Loan Agreement Forms (LAF) or Schedule of Particulars (SOP) for 2024 and are currently receiving NSFAS funding DO NOT HAVE TO REAPPLY. Funding will be granted provided you meet the academic requirements. Academic results from exams, including supplementary exams, will be submitted to NSFAS by WSU. All funded NSFAS students are requested to update their information online. Please log onto www.nsfas.org.za and create the MyNSFAS account to verify your details https://my.nsfas.org.za/sites/selfservice

All paper applications forms can be sent to NSFAS Head Office in Cape Town either by email to apply@nsfas.org.za or Fax 086 644 2822 or by post to: The 2024 Online Applications, NSFAS Loans & Bursaries Department, Private Bag X4, Plumstead, 7801.
The Student Centered Model will ensure that students receive their allowances sooner than in previous years. The allowances will be paid directly to the students.

The deadline for 2024 applications is 30 November 2024
For further details, applicants can contact NSFAS Offices on 0860 067 327 (sharecall) or Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Walter Sisulu University NSFAS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024

Walter Sisulu University NSFAS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2024

NSFAS Registration for the 2024 academic year

The purpose of this document is to set out procedures to be followed when students wish to register for the 2024 academic year.

 

NEW STUDENTS:

 

As of 23 January 2024, NSFAS has processed a total of 7 189 applications. The status of these applications are as follows:

Provisionally approved                                         1 413

Unfunded & qualify for funding                            2 387

Awaiting evaluation (2nd round applicants)         3 121

Rejected Poor academic results                                152

Rejected Financially ineligible                                     17

Awaiting Ranking and Funding                                   23

Application withdrawn                                                 33

Application Rejected                                                   43

All new students who have applied and have been provisionally approved by NSFAS may register without payment of the MIP. A list of these students has been supplied by NSFAS and has been made available to Financial Aid Offices.

New Students who applied, qualified but are unfunded will be allowed to register without paying the Minimum Initial Payment (MIP).

All new students who applied for NSFAS between 9 and 20 January 2024 and are awaiting evaluation and are from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools will be allowed to register without paying the MIP. These students will only be eligible for allowances once NSFAS has assessed their applications.

New students who can provide adequate proof of full bursary funding for 2024 may register without paying the MIP.

New students with only partial bursary funding must pay the MIP as stated below.

All other new students who do not fall in the above categories must pay the MIP.

 

RETURNING STUDENTS:

 

All NSFAS qualifying students who were registered in 2024 and meet the academic progression requirements may be registered for the 2024 academic year. They will be supported through funding from NSFAS. These students do not have to pay the MIP. NSFAS will make an upfront payment to the university in respect of these students.

Students with outstanding debts who are not fully funded for 2024 must, pay the MIP and sign an Acknowledgment of Debt wherein they make a commitment to reduce their debts. All students owing more than R50 000 must pay at least 20% of the outstanding debts. Fees office must review the students fee account and their academic records.

NSFAS has in November and December 2024 made available further funding which covers all students who previously fell into the unfunded/insufficient category. These students have been invited to sign their loan forms. Once these students have signed the forms and they meet the NSFAS academic progression criteria they will be allowed to register without payment of the MIP. These students must sign their 2024 loan application forms before they can be allowed to register.

NSFAS has also agreed that we may submit claims for students with Historic Debt who were not included on the initial list. Once these students have signed the loan form and they meet the academic progression criteria they will be allowed to register without payment of the MIP.

NSFAS students with Historic Debt who do not qualify for the debt relief (eg those who failed, or their fees exceeded the maximum loan, had to pay an own contribution, etc.) must sign an Acknowledgement of Debt to make arrangements to settle those outstanding fees.

Students who can provide adequate proof of full bursary funding for 2024 may register without paying the MIP. If they have Historic Debt they must complete an Acknowledgement of debt wherein they make payment arrangements.

Students with only partial bursary funding must pay the MIP as stated above.

All other students who do not fall in the above categories must pay the MIP.

 

Minimum initial payment (MIP)

 

Council at its meeting in November 2024 has set the MIP for 2024 as follows:

Student not in residence:        R3 900

Students in residence:            R5 540

These amounts are unchanged from 2024.

APPEALS:

Academically deserving students who feel that their personal circumstances have not been properly assessed may appeal to the Executive Director Student Affairs and will be assessed by an Appeals Committee.

Prepared by:

 

 

AJ de Wet

Acting Chief Financial Officer

24 January 2024.