- Last week saw the 2022 Matric class receive its final exam results, with the scramble to sort out tertiary studies now well under way.
- Many will be turning to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for assistance.
- Applications for the 2023 close next week on 31st January.
Last week saw the Matric class of 2022 receive its final exam results, with many rightly congratulating them for passing under testing conditions over the past few years, but now the real hard work begins. This as many students will be turning to government to assist with finding via the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The closing date for 2023 NSFAS applications is soon upon us, with less than a week before it elapses on 31st January. As such, those students who are yet to submit their applications are urged to do so as soon as possible by the Department of Higher Education.
According to SA News, last week Friday saw a total of 1 131 419 NSFAS applications being received via the scheme’s online portal. The publication adds that 156 700 of these were from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries.
“NSFAS will release application results for those who applied for funding for the first time and returning students on 06 February 2023, while the funded list for continuing students has been released today,” explained Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, in a media briefing held earlier this week.
Nzimande also advised unsuccessful applicants to appeal NSFAS decisions by submitting the relevant supporting documents between 20th January and 20th February 2023.
As for how the Scheme is currently looking when it comes to fulfilling its funding obligations to successful applications, it is noted that NSFAS is currently finalising the upfront payment schedule for payment to universities and TVET colleges. These payments will be made by end of January 2023, according to the organisation.
“All NSFAS-funded students will be registered by all the institutions without paying an upfront registration fee. Those who have applied for NSFAS finding for 2023 are encouraged to log onto their myNSFAS accounts to track their applications,” Nzimande clarified.
Students can also track the status of their NSFAS applications by using a new WhatsApp line and a USSD code by adding NSFAS on WhatsApp via 078 519 8006 or dialling *120*67327.
[Image – CC BY-ND 2.0 GovernmentZA on Flickr]
