NSFAS advances its direct payment method

Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training, claims that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made progress in putting its student-centered model into practice.

The Student-Centred Model aims to establish the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal. Also deploy the NSFAS direct payment option, also known as the NSFAS Bank Account.

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According to Nzimande, the Student-Centre Model is centered on a strategy that puts students needs at the center. Additionally, it tries to simplify every procedure that has an impact on how money is distributed. Things like tuition, transportation, food, and lodging.

CLAIMS SUBMITTED

According to the Minister, university students have submitted 509 220 claims totaling R40 billion. The R29.6 billion has already been paid to 491 457 recipients.

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“There are 23 389 students with exceptions that we are currently funding. These exceptions occur when NSFAS cannot confirm the funding pathway or funding rules are not complied with, as per submitted registration records.

“The biggest exceptions relate to institutions claiming incorrectly by including meals yet they are catered by institution. This means it is double dipping, which must be attended to,” Nzimande said.

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HOW MANY NSFAS BENEFICIARIES HAVE REGISTERED ON THE NEW PAYMENT SYSTEM?

Nzimande urged all beneficiaries who have not yet been on-boarded (registered) or converted to the new payment system to do so immediately in order for the funding to begin paying out allowances as soon as possible.

Data indicates that 90% to 99% of university students have been enrolled. This does not include the University of South Africa (UNISA), which has a 67% enrollment. Also the University of Fort Hare, which has a 56% enrollment.

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