NSFAS: What does the bursary cover?

Applications for financial aid in 2024 through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are now open. But what does the NSFAS bursary cover, you may be wondering to yourself?

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80% of University students and 90% of TVET College students in South Africa are financed through the NSFAS. These 1.1 million students between them receive a total of R47 billion annually from government to cover their studies. So, if you’re enrolled in a tertiary institution and need assistance, don’t be shy.

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WHAT DOES THE BURSARY COVER?

According to Pagely, the NSFAS bursary for University covers the following:

• Accommodation
• Transport up to 40km from the university (max R7 500 per year)
• Living allowance (max R15 000 per year)
• Book allowances (max R5 200 per year)
• Personal care allowance (max R2 900 per year)

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If you’re enrolled at a TVET College, the following is covered by financial aid:

• Accommodation in an urban area (max R24 000 per year)
• Accommodation in an extra-urban area (max R18 900 per year)
• Accommodation in a rural area (max R15 750 per year)
• Transport up to 40km from the college (max R7 350 per year)
• Transport (max R7 000 per year)
• Personal care allowance (max R2 900 per year)

CHANGES TO NSFAS FOR 2024

According to the South African Government News Agency, the Minister for Higher Education, Blade Nzimanda, reiterated that NSFAS mandated for poor and working-class families and is not there to be taken advantage of.

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Going forward, students applying through the NSFAS won’t need to upload supporting documents, because SASSA, SARS and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will work together to verify details of students. Too many applicants have been misrepresenting and falsifying details to take advantage of the NSFAS bursary.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR FUNDING?

Which begs the question, who does qualify for NSFAS aid?

• All South Africans citizens are eligible for funding.
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding.
• You qualify if your combined household income does not exceed R350 000 per year.
• If you have a disability, your combined household income cannot be more than R600 000 per year.
• If you started studying before 2018, your household income can not be more than R122 000 per year.

Click the link HERE if you’re a student in need of financial aid in 2024.

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What do you think of what does the NSFAS bursary cover? Are those stipends enough to support a young student in South Africa? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.