The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has different application cycles for students pursuing their studies at public universities and colleges. Technical and Vocational Education and Training students have their last opportunity to submit their trimester two application.

NSFAS pays institutions of higher learning at the start of each academic year to cover the tuition fees and other related study costs. These payments are made directly to institutions, and are based on the number of eligible students who have been registered for the academic year. 

The University of South Africa offers a diverse range of study disciplines. If you’re a prospective student who wants to take up a Higher Certificate from one of these disciplines, it is important for you to know which funding options you have before pursuing your studies.

Finances can get in the way of pursuing study opportunities. However, South Africa has various financial options that students may take advantage of.

A number of public and private institutions of higher learning in South Africa offer Higher Certificates courses. If you are looking for funding for this, you may want to start by enquiring with the government bursary scheme, NSFAS. 

Funding applications through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme are strictly done online. As part of the online applications system, it is mandatory for students to choose at least three institutions where they intend on pursuing their studies.

Some reports have indicated that South Africa has a looming shortage of teaching professionals, with the current workforce expected to retire in 2030. However, the Department of Education continues to recruit teaching graduates through one of its programmes for specific areas of teaching.

The reputation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has been under public scrutiny due to issues of maladministration and corruption. Following a few yet significant changes, the Scheme takes pride in the progress that it has made.

If you intend on pursuing your studies in any institution of higher learning, it is important to explore the funding options that you can take advantage of. Bursaries, scholarships, and grants are usually merit-based or financial need-based. However, students who don’t qualify for these funding opportunities may apply for a student loan to finance their studies.

Every year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme funds students who are pursuing their studies in any of the public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. The Scheme’s budget allocation has been increasing over the past few years.

When a student has been declined for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, they have the opportunity to submit an appeal to be reconsidered by the Scheme. 

If you’re worried about how you will fund your tertiary education, South Africa has a number of funding options that you can explore and choose the most suitable for you. One of the options includes student loans, which are offered by financial institutions.

South Africa provides financial aid to students, including bursaries, scholarships, grants, and student loans. In most cases bursaries,  scholarships and grants are usually merit-based or financial need-based and not repaid. However, students who are financing their tertiary education through student loans are contractually bound to pay back the loan with interest.

The length, balance, type, and number of credit accounts are taken into consideration when calculating a person's credit score. If you have a student loan, it's crucial to not breach any agreements you have made with the lending company.

Inflation-linked expenses are the nightmare of most if not all working professionals, who need to dig deeper in their already cash-strapped pockets. It is even worse for individuals that need to pay fees, whether straight from their salary or via a student loan.

The NSFAS application process is done through an online system. This system has been a disadvantage to some applicants who don't have internet access. However, the Scheme has been working to bridge this gap. 

Prior to the start of the 2023 academic year, it was estimated that 900,000 tertiary students are expected to benefit from the NSFAS bursary scheme. The government bursary scheme has now reflected on one of the academic achievements obtained by its recipients.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme spends more than R10 billion on student accommodation in public universities and colleges in South Africa. However, the Scheme has confirmed that it will be limiting the amount of money allocated to accommodation.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme covers a variety of necessary expenses for its bursary recipients, including tuition, housing, and student allowances, to name a few. Recently, the Scheme has made some payments to students for the 2023 academic year.

When the Department of Higher Education and Training unveiled its plans for the 2023 academic year, it made a commitment to helping to ensure that registrations are completed on time. However, some students have pointed out that there are still problems with registrations as the first academic term nears its end.