NSFAS Releases 2024 Application Dates

Many students wanting to study in 2024 have been patiently waiting for the 2024 NSFAS applications to open so they can submit their bursary applications. NSFAS has released the 2024 application dates.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has finally revealed when 2024 applications will open. Prospective students can begin submitting their NSFAS bursary applications from Tuesday 21, November 2023.

Students will have until 31 January 2024 to submit their NSFAS funding applications. This means that students will have just over two months to submit applications for the lucrative bursaries.

The reason for opening in November, is so that we can afford the beneficiary shorter turn around times for decision making which is aligned to our financial eligibility assessment which requires updated SARS information.

NSFAS provides comprehensive funding to more than one million students enrolled in approved programmes at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The comprehensive bursaries provided by NSFAS seek to cover all the costs a student may incur on a tertiary education journey. The government bursary scheme provides students with money for tuition and registration fees, along with several allowances.

NSFAS provides students with an accommodation allowance, meal allowance and stationery allowances. If students live at home they will receive a transport allowance in place of the accommodation allowance while students who live in catered accommodation will not receive a meal allowance.

NSFAS awaited the completion of the SARS tax period to ensure the availability of necessary and updated information during the application season. This strategic timing facilitates the efficient processing of applications and aligns with the organisation’s commitment to streamlining decision-making processes.

The financial aid scheme has encouraged all students who meet the eligibility criteria to submit a NSFAS application during the prescribed application period. They also remind grade 12 learners that they do not need their matric results to submit a NSFAS application.

We encourage all students who wish to study in the post-school education and training sector higher education and training space to ensure that they apply on time. It is also important that students note that they don’t need results when they are entering post-school education and training for the first time.

NSFAS announced they are in talks with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to enhance the application validation process. These discussions hope to improve verification procedures, particularly regarding parental relationships.

The adjustments are designed to ensure timely confirmation of funding decisions.

NSFAS has urged all applicants to provide accurate information when submitting their NSFAS application. These mistakes can result in the student’s NSFAS 2024 application being rejected.

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries will continue to receive immediate funding decisions from NSFAS. They will also not be required to submit supporting documents, except for learners with disabilities.

Applicants who are rejected will have the option to submit a NSFAS appeal. Several documents are needed when submitting a NSFAS appeal application depending on the reason for the NSFAS rejection status.

NSFAS announced the launch of a mobile application for 2024 applications. The NSFAS application will initially be available for iPhone operating systems (iOS), Android, and later for HUAWEI devices.

It was revealed that the mobile app will include biometric capabilities to be rolled out later in the year. Additionally, students will have the option to track their 2024 NSFAS application statuses and funding via WhatsApp at 078 519 8006, and USSD at 12067327#.

Download a NSFAS consent form, fill it in and scan it together with your certified ID copy and your guardian’s certified ID copy.

This bursary is for any course of study at any public university and public(TVET) colleges.

Who qualifies for funding:

-South African citizens
-SASSA grant recipients
-Applicants whose combined household income does not exceed R350 000 per year.
-A person with a disability whose combined household income does not exceed R600 000 per year.

Applications close on 31 January 2024

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NSFAS 2024 Appeals supporting documents:

If you would like to appeal your #NSFAS2022 application results, please download and complete the relevant required supporting document below and upload it with your appeal.