The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has opened its application cycle for the 2021 academic year, according to the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation.
The NSFAS 2021 application cycle will run from 3 August to 30 November. This has come as a surprise to many, especially as the application cycle usually begins annually from 1 September.
As in recent years, the application process would be conducted online through the myNSFAS portal. The portal has been redesigned and minor enhancements have been added to give new and returning users a better experience.
To date, over 700 000 students are funded by NSFAS for the 2020 academic year – 248 242 from TVET colleges, while 481 339 beneficiaries came from universities (with registration data).
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande stated that there has been a 20% increase when compared with 2019 registration data. Furthermore, he stated that NSFAS beneficiaries account for 40% of the undergraduate population at universities, and 70% at TVET colleges.
[the_ad id=’128052′]
Changes made to the myNSFAS portal
The myNSFAS portal has been altered and undergone minor enhancements and changes to improve security and user experience.
New applicants will need a copy of their ID or birth certificate in order to create and register a profile on the myNSFAS portal. Already registered students can simply access the myNSFAS portal through their registered login details.
Applicants who are applying for NSFAS 2021 funding will have to meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must be a South African citizen,
- The applicant’s combined annual household income must be no more than R350 000
- Applicants with a disability – combined annual household income must be no more less than R600 000
Furthermore, prospective students will have to submit the following supporting documents in order to apply for NSFAS 2021 funding:
- A copy of their ID;
- A copy of the parent/guardian’s ID;
- A parent/guardian’s proof of income; and/or
- Annexure A for applicants with disabilities.
Applicants are required to give consent for personal information verification with 3rd parties, such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). Applicants will be able to use the NYDA facilities for assistance with NSFAS 2021 applications from September 1st.
NSFAS is also working on a programme called the Virtual Outreach project. The programme will consist of interactive live streaming sessions where applicants head onto a virtual tour on NSFAS products and services.
[the_ad id=’128052′]
NSFAS has also launched its virtual contact centre, which coincided with the closure of its contact call centre number. The virtual platform will provide assistance to students through various social media platforms as well as through NSFAS Chat, an interactive chat portal available through myNSFAS.
Final words of encouragement from Minister Nzimande
Minister Nzimande has urged students to make use of the opportunity and apply within the allocated time frame, not leaving it to the last hour.
Students aiming to apply for NSFAS 2021 funding can do so through the NSFAS website or the myNSFAS portal.
Published: 05 August 2020
Morning..I need to know if I qualified,I’m 33 years and I’m not working but I’m getting the relief grant from the Government.And my parents died..so what must I bring to proof that,must I sent a proof of death certificates?Please reply as soon as possible.Thank you.
Applied already as a new Student and much thanks for NSFAS support in advance. Hope everything goes well.
Warm Regards
Greetings
NSFAS has failed many South Africans when it comes to the N + 2 rule, they should also mention it on the requirements as the disadvantage. My application was rejected due to that rule, and to make matters worse is that I never received any form of assistance from the institution. I happened to have studied along time ago, found a job, lost a job, now considered to study again but had no funding so I considered NSFAS only to be rejected. Just putting it out we there that NSFAS should also mention that if you studied back on the day, don’t bother applying for funding to NSFAS.
Dear sir/madam my name is Sanele Landlula I’m applying for a busary loan
We are not NSFAS and as such, cannot grant you funding.
Morning!
Need to apply for NSFAS.
Please can we send me the application forms.
You can easily apply through the MyNSFAS portal. If you plan to apply in person, you can do so through the NYDA.
How can I apply online
You can apply through the MyNSFAS portal. Create yourself an account and follow the appropriate prompts in order to get started on gaining NSFAS funding for the 2021 academic year.
Hi there, I want to register with unisa under RPL, can you fund my studies ?
Regards
Morris
We are not NSFAS and as such, cannot fund your studies or offer a bursary.
I am 41years old very low income earning and can I also apply through nsfas for funding for I would like to study more and increase my education level I am a South African citizen.
I forget my password I want to register
I would like to know if you have been previously funded in your first degree & not yet working can you be funded for post graduate.
I wnt to app for NSFAS but I don’t knw where to find an application form to fill. Pls help me apply for thus opportunity because last I didnt study because my dudnt have money to pay my fees.
I wnt to apply for NSFAS but I don’t knw where to find an application form to fill. please help me apply for this opportunity because last I didnt study and I was accepted at unisa because my mom didn’t have money to pay for my fees.Thank you
Hi, l have tried nsfas many times while mi parents still alive nw thy passed away without getting positve respond n m still need to study, nw m a parent of one child m survive with grant can I gt help?
I wish to prolong with my studies but if it is possible.
Hi I’m 33years so can I still qualify for nasfas I want to study at culinary(chef) thank you.
I am 35 and wsnt to apply for economics, do i qualify?
Hi I am 21 years old and i want to apply for nsfas when is closing date for 2021
Hi I have created a profile on my nsfas but when am adding my Names to continue with the application it says my names doesn’t match the I’d provided. Pls help what can I do to continue with my application.. I’ve been sending emails but I don’t get any help
Hi my name is Lindiwe Joyce Nzimande
I once registered with unisa. But failed to complete my then course due to financial constraints.
1. I would like to check my status
It was 2004 , doing NDP: logistics
2. Still interested in studying but want to change the career.
3. My student number was: 39652238
Hi my name is siphokazi I was applied at unisa 2018 I don’t have student number but I get study books