Students with disabilities encouraged to apply for NSFAS

With less than 20 days left before the closing of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2020 applications, NSFAS has received a total of 287 769 applications nationwide. Applications for 2020 will officially close on November 30, midnight.

According to NSFAS, the number of applications from students who intend to study at Tvet colleges is steadily improving from the previous low of 23 001 in October to a 37 132 by November 04.

“A total of 145 190 applications have been received from Sassa beneficiaries. Students with disabilities are encouraged to take this opportunity and apply for funding. The NSFAS Disability Fund provides funding and support for students with disabilities and 775 applications were received from students with disabilities,” said NSFAS administrator Dr Randall Carolissen.

KwaZulu-Natal (85 367), Gauteng (58 950), and Limpopo (46 043) remain top provinces with most applications received.

“Statistics from these three provinces have been consistent for the past application cycles. There has been a significant shift in the numbers throughout all provinces. This was due to the outreach and roadshows that we embarked on,” Carolissen said.

NSFAS is consistently engaging with various local and provincial government where there are low numbers of applications received.

These engagements will allow NSFAS to provide support where necessary in order to assist qualifying students with access to facilities.

Carolissen added that when processing an application, they validate information with the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development where they get a complete profile of an applicant and their family.

“We take into consideration the total household family income, home affairs and social welfare status, higher education or admission status. Information about your school and local municipality plays a crucial role in the 2020 application system,” concluded Carolissen.

The 2020 applications are done online through the myNSFAS portal (www.nsfas.org.za), where students can submit their applications using their smartphones or a computer.

To apply, an applicant needs to create a myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website, or use their social media accounts: Facebook and/or Google. Applicants with an existing account can sign in using their usernames and password or Facebook/Google accounts.