National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding has increased by 107% from R20 billion in 2018 to R42 billion in 2021.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande on Thursday marked the launch of the 2022 NSFAS applications.
Nzimande announced that applications for students for the 2022 academic year will open from next Tuesday until the seventh of January.
The minister also announced improvements to the system that will allow real-time updates for applications.
Nzimande said now more than ever, the demand for student funding had increased due to the impact of COVID-19.
He said the government had to categorize applicants into five cohorts: “The first cohort is first-time entering students who are Sassa beneficiaries, the second cohort is the returning students who are also Sassa beneficiaries, the third category is first-time entering students who are not Sassa beneficiaries and the fourth is returning students who are also not Sassa beneficiaries. The fifth cohort will be students living with disabilities.”
Meanwhile, the minister said the recent improvements to the online application system were a response to complaints about the slow application process.
Nzimande has encouraged students to ensure they follow the right process including providing the relevant supporting documents when applying.
-EWN
In other news – Photos of Thuli Phongolo “before the money” shock the internet
Mzansi’s talented actress and DJ Thuli Phongolo has been trending of late due to claims that she is dating DJ Maphorisa. Now, however, the former Muvhango actress who is also known for her beautiful looks and the statuesque figure is trending after pictures of her before she became rich and famous leaked online.
Social media users have marvelled at the amazing transformation that Thuli went through after she became famous and hit the money. Learn More
