Durban - University and college students can now apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) online for the 2016 academic year.
Online applications for the financial aid schemes for select public universities and technical vocational education and training colleges opened last week and will close on November 30. Grade 12 pupils and students can now log on the NSFAS website to apply.
Financial aid scheme spokesman Kagisho Mamabolo is upbeat about the online application system.
“In 2014, we focused more on testing and improving the student-centred model. The results were positive, hence we are implementing it,” he said.
“It has changed how NSFAS interacts with beneficiaries and will assist in tracing them once they complete their studies and start working.”
Mamabolo said applications should include supporting documents as well as full and accurate information to avoid rejection. “We hope the new funding model will change their lives for the better by creating an effective and efficient access to higher education.”
Mamabolo said those eligible to apply included:
* Grade 12 pupils from poor and working class families who can’t afford to pay for their studies.
* Eligible students who were not funded in the previous years.
* Eligible students who were funded in the previous years, but not this year.
Students can apply to be funded for studies at Unisa, the Durban University of Technology, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, the University of Venda and the Sol Plaatjie University.
Technical vocational education and training colleges that qualify are the King Hintsa, Motheo, Umfolozi, South Cape and Ekurhuleni East College.
NSFAS students funded for this year need not apply. However, NSFAS will obtain academic results to assess their eligibility for the continued funding in the 2016 academic year, Mamabolo said.
The closing date for students wishing to study at Unisa is September 30 to allow NSFAS to process and evaluate applicants in time for early registration phase.
NSFAS will announce outcome of applications via SMS or e-mail after the closing. To apply, go to www.nsfas.org.za.
The Mercury