Submit your application for student financial aid

Grade Nine to 12 learners and out-of-school youth who wish to further their studies in 2020 at any public universities or TVET colleges in South Africa can now apply for financial assistance through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

According to NSFAS media liaison officer Phatisa Ntlonze, applications officially opened on September 1 and will officially close on November 30.

“Officially, in its second month, the NSFAS applications cycle is open for Grade Nine to 12 learners and out-of-school youth who wish to further their studies in 2020 at any public university or TVET college in South Africa. Prospective applicants have until November 30 at midnight to apply for funding,” said Ntlonze.

“NSFAS has embarked on a nationwide roadshow. The purpose of the roadshow is to reach out to learners and out-of-school youth who need the NSFAS funding, but stay in areas with challenges of application resources.

“NSFAS funding applies to applicants who come from poor and working-class families, without any prejudice or discrimination.

“Applications are done online by creating a myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za).

“Applicants with an existing account can sign in using their usernames and password or Facebook/Google accounts. Students can also submit their applications using their smartphones or computer,” said Ntlonze.

To qualify for NSFAS funding for university and TVET college studies, the applicant should meet the following criteria:

• Be a South African citizen

• Intend to enrol at any of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET colleges in 2020

• Come from a family with combined household income of up to R350 000 per annum (up to R600 000 per annum if the applicant has a disability)

• Should not have received NSFAS funding in 2019, (those who were successfully funded previously, are automatically funded for 2020, provided they meet academic requirements).