The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened Semester 2 bursary Applications. Students enrolled in approved programmes at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges can apply for the comprehensive bursary provided by NSFAS during the Semester 2 application period.
Semester 2 applications are to open on Monday 17 July 2023 and close at the end of the month. Students have just a few days to submit their NSFAS application in semester 2 before the 31 July 2023 deadline.
The method of applications for all 2023 remaining cycles remains the same as the one which was utilised by students to apply for NSFAS funding for the 1st cycle of 2023, meaning the students will apply for themselves online through the NSFAS website.
Students are urged to ensure they complete their application. This is because many students create a myNSFAS profile and consider their application completed. However, this is not the whole application process.
Who Qualifies For TVET College NSFAS Bursaries
TVET college students must be South African citizens to qualify for NSFAS funding. They must be registered or intending to register for a PLP, NC(V), or Report 191 program at any of the 50 public TVET Colleges in South Africa.
The student must demonstrate a need for financial assistance. NSFAS will assess whether the student meets the financial eligibility criteria. They may not have a household income exceeding R350,000 per annum. Students with disabilities must not have a household income exceeding R600,000 per annum.
Returning students must exhibit proven and accepted academic performance, aligning with the College's progression policy or the progression prescriptions stated in the Bursary Rules and Guidelines (whichever requirement is higher).
The student may not be enrolling for a qualification that replicates previous learning funded by the state when applying for NSFAS funding.
How To Submit A NSFAS Application
Applications for the NSFAS bursary must be submitted online through the NSFAS website.
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website.
Step 2: Click on the 'myNSFAS' tab.
Step 3: Create a myNSFAS account.
Step 4: Click on the 'APPLY' tab and complete the sections on the screen.
Step 5: Upload required supporting documents where applicable.
Step 6: Click on 'Submit'
What's Needed For NSFAS Applications
TVET college students are required to submit documents to support their NSFAS bursary application.
- Your own cell phone number and email address.
- A copy of your ID or birth certificate.
- ID copies of parents, guardian or spouse (or death certificate where applicable).
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Your proof of income or 1 year’s IRP5 (if applicable).
- Your parents, guardian or spouse’s proof of income; if you are a SASSA grant recipient, no proof of income will be required.
- A court order (if applicable).
- Applicants with a disability must submit a completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form.
- An applicant who is recognised as a Vulnerable Child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed and signed Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.
NSFAS TVET College Funding
TVET college students whose NSFAS applications were successful will receive comprehensive funding. NSFAS will pay a student's tuition and registration fees.
In addition to the payment of registration and tuition fees, NSFAS will also provide TVET college students with several allowances. These allowances aim to cover the costs students will incur while they are studying.
Students may receive a learning material allowance, a living allowance and an accommodation allowance. Students who do not live in accommodation may receive a transport allowance.
How Much Are NSFAS Allowances For TVET Colleges?
- Accommodation in an urban area: R24,000 annually
- Accommodation in a peri-urban area: R18,900 annually
- Accommodation in a rural area: R15,750 annually
- Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7,350 annually
- Living expenses allowance: R7,000 annually
- Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 annually
When Will NSFAS Application Open Again In 2023?
NSFAS Trimester 3 applications for TVET College students will open on 4 September 2023 and close on 20 September 2023.
Can University Students Apply For The NSFAS Bursary In Semester 2?
University students cannot submit NSFAS bursary applications during the Semester 2 bursary application period. The semester two NSFAS application period is exclusively available to students enrolled at TVET colleges.
