The scheme's bursary criteria brings into question whether prospective students that are employed by the government qualify for the bursary scheme.
Taking into account that NSFAS funds and caters to anyone looking to do tertiary studies for the first time. One of the eligibility requirements for funding states that those with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per year qualify for the bursary.
Therefore, the prospective student will not be eligible for the NSFAS bursary if they have a job and their income, along with the combined income of everyone with whom they live, exceeds R350 000 annually. However, they will be eligible if the amount is R350 000 or less.
Some students find that even though their total household income is higher than the eligibility criteria, they still cannot afford to cover their tuition. The "missing middle" term is applied to these students.
NSFAS, in response, has since stated that they are investigating how they might help with funding for students that fall within those categories. The other requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must be South African citizens
- If the applicant is a SASSA grant recipient, they qualify for funding
- For person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per year
Application results will be communicated to all applicants once Nsfas has received confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been made. Students who have been advised against applying for NSFAS student funding, include the following:
- 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 automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.
