NSFAS funding for students with disability

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging disabled students seeking financial assistance to further their studies to apply for assistance through its disability fund.
Phathisa Ntlonze, Media Liaison Officer for NSFAS said they have received few applications from students with disability since applications opened in September.
She stated that the NSFAS disability fund provides funding and support for students with disability. Referring to the 775 applications received to date she said: “We are not satisfied with the figure. We want them to apply in larger numbers and make use of the funding.”
Ntlonze also urged high school students to use the scheme to their advantage. “The applications were opened in September and will close on 30 November. We are encouraging people to make use of the last remaining 24 days to apply for funding.”
To date KwaZulu Natal leads with the number of applications with 85 367 followed by Gauteng with 58 950 while Limpopo sits on the third position with 46 043 applications.
She reported that the number of applications from students who intend to study at TVET colleges was steadily improving from the previous low of 23 001 in October to 37 132.
“A total of 145 190 applications have been received from the South African Social Security Agency. NSFAS consistently engages with various local and provincial governments where low numbers of applications were received. These engagements will allow NSFAS to provide support where necessary in order to assist qualifying students with access to facilities.”
“NSFAS considers each application received. When processing an application, we validate information with the Department of Home Affairs and Department of Social Development thereby getting a complete profile of an applicant and family. We take into consideration the total household family income, home affairs and social welfare status, higher education or admission status. Information about school and local municipality plays a crucial role in the 2020 application system”.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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