The national student financial aid scheme (NSFAS) has rejected just over 160,000 applications for the 2023 academic year. This is because the applicants did not meet funding criteria.
NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa said at a media briefing with the department of higher education and training on Tuesday the scheme had received over 1.6 million applications. That’s the highest number since its formation in 1999.
”It is important for unsuccessful applicants to note that they have the opportunity to appeal such NSFAS decisions by submitting relevant supporting documents between January 20 and February 20 2023,’’ said Khosa.
Khosa also revealed that 613,909 applications were successful, according to the Sowetan. Of this figure, 338,320 are continuing students and 275,589 are new applicants.
A total of 210,679 applications are still being vetted in terms of their financial eligibility, with 149,202 still awaiting academic approval. A further 273,746 are awaiting evaluation, said Khosa.
Applications for student funding closed at midnight on Tuesday, 31 January.
Meanwhile, higher education minister Blade Nzimande announced yearly allowances for NSFAS-funded university and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students for the year.
Nzimande said that students from universities that provide accommodation and catering would receive R61,500. Those from universities that do not provide catering would receive R45,000 for accommodation and R16,500 living allowance.
Students living at home would only receive a R16,500 living allowance.
All university students will get an equal amount of R5,460 to buy books.
”This [NSFAS] is one of the most successful and impactful interventions by the South African government since 1994,’’ said Nzimande. “You can measure and touch it. The impact it has had on dependents of the working class and poor is a huge achievement.”
Compiled by Anita Dangazele
Pictured Above: NSFAS board E chairperson Ernest Khosa addressing members of the media
Image source: Facebook
