The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is anticipated to extend comprehensive financial support to over one million students in 2024. While a considerable number of these students are familiar with the workings of the scheme's funding, a significant portion will experience NSFAS assistance for the first time in 2024.
NSFAS offers inclusive bursaries to economically disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue higher education qualifications. These qualifications must be available at an accredited public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college.
The comprehensive funding provided by NSFAS encompasses various allowances in addition to covering tuition fees. These allowances include provisions for transport expenses, living costs, learning materials, and accommodation expenses.
Must NSFAS Students Pay Registration Fees?
Regarding registration fees for NSFAS students, NSFAS students do not need to personally cover these costs. NSFAS takes care of the registration fees on behalf of the students.
It is crucial to note that NSFAS only confirms funding for a student after they have successfully registered for an approved course at a university or TVET college. This can sometimes be perplexing for students who may face financial challenges in covering the initial registration fees.
NSFAS has said:
Universities must allow students who are recipients of NSFAS bursaries to register without paying a registration fee, if they have been confirmed as provisionally funded, as this will be paid as part of their full tuition fee.
Earlier this year, Higher Education Minister Nzimande urged institutions not to hinder students from registering due to outstanding fees owed by NSFAS. This is because such actions could potentially lead to students missing essential coursework at the beginning of the academic year.
"I call upon NSFAS to work together with the affected institutions to ensure that they speedily resolve all these outstanding cases. Whilst this is being resolved, I urge institutions not to deny NSFAS-funded students with outstanding payments to register for the current cycle," said the Minister.
