NSFAS 2023 Applications are Now Open! Find out how you can apply for NSFAS 2023 funding.
The National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2023 applications cycle is officially open.
The Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande briefed the media on Tuesday, the 28th of September 2022 on the new NSFAS application developments and that applications will be open from the 29th of September 2022.
NSFAS 2023 Applications Changes
He mentioned that a few changes to the application process have been put in place to make the application more convenient and easier for the applicants.
The NSFAS online application portal has been redesigned, making it more user-friendly and similar to other platforms (such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook) that prospective applicants are familiar with.
The questions that are asked in the application process have been simplified for the public to easily understand. Additionally, applicants will now be able to pause the process and continue at a later stage without having to restart from scratch, which is something that was not possible in the previous cycle.
In addition to the upgrades, NSFAS has created new application channels to accommodate applicants from varied backgrounds, while also bearing in mind that the majority of prospective applicants are young people who have embraced the digital way of doing things.
A mobile app, USSD, and WhatsApp are among the new channels. Through these methods, one can apply for NSFAS funding, follow the status of their application, and cancel it, among other things that are generally done through the web platform.
Furthermore, to accommodate everyone, NSFAS will launch an outreach program to ensure that individuals who do not have access to technological equipment to apply online are provided with the necessary resources and support they need to successfully apply.
According to a report by the minister, in the previous cycle under 300 000 SASSA beneficiaries are funded by NSFAS. NSFAS currently funds around 708 147 applicants throughout 26 public universities and 50 Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS 2023 Funding
Any South African citizen who plans to further their studies at a public university or TVET college in 2023 and has no means to fund their academics may apply for NSFAS funding. However, applicants will have to meet certain requirements to be considered.
The following list of people qualify to apply for the NSFAS grant:
- SASSA grant recipients.
- A person living with a disability, with a combined household income of not more than R600 000 per year.
- People with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per year.
- A student who began their tertiary studies before 2018 and their household income is not more than R122 000 per year.
How to Apply for NSFAS
Prospective applicants may apply for the 2023 NSFAS funding online by visiting www.nsfas.org.za, click on the “myNSFAS” orange button, you will see it at the top right corner of your screen, register your account and when done, click on apply.
Fill in all the required information and upload all the required documents. When done, click on submit.
Please note, creating an account does not mean you have applied, make sure you read and follow all instructions.
You may visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za for more information on the required supporting documents and the application process.
The application cycle for the 2022 academic year has opened early as compared to the previous year, giving prospective applicants enough time to submit their applications and supporting documents. So, don’t wait till the last minute to apply, start now and wait for the outcome.
More details around the grant will be communicated.