NSFAS 2023 Applications are now open, Apply.

The NSFAS 2023 application cycle has opened. Speaking at a media event held last week the minister of higher education, science and innovation Dr Blade Nzimande, announced that the NSFAS programme opens on Wednesday the 28th of October. Noticably, the application window has opened a bit earlier and the minister explained that the reason for this is to give applicants enough time to submit their applications and supporting documents.

“[The] majority of unsuccessful applicants failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their application for funding; exceeded the financial eligibility threshold; already achieved the highest level of qualification that NSFAS funds, exceeded the N+ rule and being non-compliant to the academic pathways of the TVET college sector,” Nzimande reiterated.

Dr Blade Nzimande minister also gave a report for the 2022 academic year NSFAS scheme. A total of 985 672 applications were received within the calendar year with 140 636 applications being unsuccessful. Nzimande reported that a budget of R43 billion was allocated to the programme. This budget was used to support students with their tuition fees, food and travelling, and study material.

Changes in the application system

Nzimande shed light on the small improvements in the application process. He said that the aim of the improvements is to make the application process as simple and efficient as possible.

With this in mind, the NSFAS online application portal was redesigned to be more friendly to the user. A seamless integration with various social media channels like WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram was added. The new channels of applications were introduced to cater to different people of different backgrounds and origins.

A mobile application and a USSD channel were also introduced to the service. This means that prospective applicants with no smartphones can apply using the USSD code and those with smartphones can make use of the application.

Apart from online applications the minister also stated that the NSFAS will conduct an outreach campaign. Its purpose is to give access to individuals who do not have the privilege to access digital devices giving everyone a fair chance to get the grant.

NSFAS 2023 Applications are now open.

How to access NSFAS bursary

If you are a South African Citizen who has plans to go to college or University in 2023 or you are already at a university but facing challenges to finance yourself then this programme is for you.

Requirements :

You are SASSA grant recipients or

If your household income is not more thanR350 000 per year;

You have a disability,  and your combined household income is not more than R600 000 per year ;

You are a student who began their university studies before 2018 and your household income is not more than R122 000 per year.

You can visit the NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za for more information