The matriculants of 2021 have had it harder than any matric class before.
Grade 11 in 2020 was supposed to be their foundation year for matric this year.
But that was an utter disaster, especially for those in public schools who did not have access to the required resources.
In 2021, teachers and pupils were constantly down with Covid, not to mention the lockdowns, and that caused further havoc.
So it angers me greatly that with all that our matriculants have to deal with, they have started writing their final exams while the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have not even opened applications for tertiary education funding yet.
We are nearly in November, and NSFAS has posted the following message on their website:
“IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for 2022 academic year funding are not open yet. NSFAS will communicate the opening date soon. Students are encouraged to constantly monitor our social media platforms for updates.”
It goes on to tell students to be careful of fake NSFAS information going around, and to be vigilant of giving out personal information.
Now children and parents have the added stress of not knowing if studies will be funded or not.
Here are some FAQs from the NSFAS site:
Who qualifies for NSFAS funding?
- All South African citizens
- All SASSA grant recipients qualifies for funding
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
- Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
- Students who started studying before 2018 whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.
Who should NOT apply?
- Students who have completed a previous qualification.
- Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
- Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.
- Foreign students (any student who is not a South African citizen).
Which institutions does NSFAS provide funding for?
- NSFAS will only provide financial assistance to eligible students who have applied and have been accepted at public universities and TVET colleges for an approved funded programme. They do not provide funding if you will be studying or are already studying at a private institution.
Does the NSFAS funding cover short courses at universities?
No. NSFAS funding covers approved funded programmes at universities which are all undergraduate whole qualifications, i.e. degree and diploma.
I am a parent/guardian, unemployed, was not retrenched, what proof may I submit for the application?
An affidavit will be accepted; however, your employment status will be verified through government entities and 3rd party agencies.
My parent/guardian is an informal trader selling fruit, what proof of income should I upload?
An affidavit by your parent/guardian will be required as proof. Your parent/guardian income will be verified by 3rd party agencies.
How do I create a my NSFAS account? (to apply)
Log onto www.nsfas.org.za and click on the myNSFAS tab.
Click on register. Tick on the acceptance option to allow NSFAS to verify and validate the information you have provided.
Type in your ID number as it appears on your ID document.
Type in your name and surname as they appear on your ID Document.
Type in your email address and cellphone number. Your username will be your email address.
Create a password and confirm your password.
Upload a copy of your ID.
Click on register.
After clicking register, a One Time Pin (OTP) will be sent to the email address and cellphone number you provided.
Check your cellphone and email for the OTP.
Type in the OTP in the tab provided and click submit.
You will then receive another SMS and email confirming that your myNSFAS account has been created. You may now continue with your application.
What supporting documents are required when I apply?
All applicants are required to submit:
Certified copy of your ID, not older than three months.
A signed and completed consent form.
If you are dependent on your parents/guardian/spouse, please provide: Certified ID copies of parent/s, guardian, spouse not older than three months proof of income of parent, guardian or spouse (payslip or appointment letter.
If you are self-sufficient (no parent/guardian support) please provide: proof of income (payslip or appointment letter).
If you have a disability, please provide: Completed and signed Annexure A (if your information is not pre-populated on the portal).
If you are an orphan, please provide: Completed and signed Declaration Form.
Other documents required, if applicable: Retrenchment letter / UIF documentation; Death certificate/s; Divorce decree.
When will application results be communicated?
Application results will be communicated to all applicants once NSFAS receives confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been made to you.
This will be communicated to you before the start of the academic year via SMS, email and through your myNSFAS account.
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
Website: www.nsfas.org.za