NSFAS applications for 2024 open TODAY

It’s good news for students in need of financial aid in 2024 as NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) applications open today. In a media release on the NSFAS website, Professor Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, and NSFAS Board Chairperson, Ernest Khosa, will brief media TODAY on the opening of financial aid in 2024.

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As far as applications for financial aid in 2024 go, the Minister will confirm opening and closing dates today. He will also discuss enhancements and readiness of the scheme to support academic students entering the post-school system in need of financial assistance.

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FINANCIAL AID IN 2024

While it will only be confirmed in today’s briefing at 15h00 Tuesday 21 November 2023, a statement issued earlier in the month alluded to the NSFAS opening funding for financial aid in 2024 today. With applications running until the closing date on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

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According to the South African Government News Agency, applications for financial aid in 2024 will be opened earlier to afford beneficiaries a shorter turn-around time. It’s understood that this November-January window will align better to the financial eligibility assessment from the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

NSFAS APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ONLINE

“We encourage all students applying for financial aid in 2024, who wish to study in the post-school education and training sector to ensure that they apply on time. The NSFAS is engaged in conversation with the Department of Basic Education to improve the application validation processes, including verifying parental relationships, to ensure that funding decisions are confirmed timeously,” confirmed the NSFAS.

HOW TO APPLY FOR NSFAS FINANCIAL AID

Firstly, you must create an NSFAS Account. Register and accept the terms to verify your information. You must supply the following:

• ID number.
• Name and surname.
• Email address and cellphone number (email address doubles as your username).
• Unique password.
• You will be prompted to upload a copy of your ID.
• Click Register.
• You will then receive a OTP via SMS/email.
• Type in the OTP and click Submit.

You will receive a confirmation email that your NSFAS account is active, then you can apply for financial aid in 2024.

NSFAS APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ACADEMIC YEAR

One registered, visit myNSFAS:

• Click on Register.
• Go to Apply tab and follow all the prompts.
• Upload your supporting documents.
• Accept the Terms and Conditions and click Submit.
• You will receive an application reference number via email/SMS once successfully submitted.

TRACK THE STATUS OF YOUR NSFAS APPLICATIONS

NSFAS says students will also be able to track applications for financial aid in 2024 via WhatsApp on 078 519 8006. NSFAS says students must provide accurate information, particularly parental information, when applying. The status of parental relationship verification because students have been changing parents’ information for the sake of securing financial aid.

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It is understood that new features for 2024 applications will include NSFAS mobile applications compatible with iPhone (IOs) and Android, with Huawei devices to come later. Biometric capability will be rolled out later in the year, too

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Will you be applying for financial aid in 2024? If so, do you have experience in using the NSFAS portal? 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.