Deadline looms for 2019 NSFAS applications

© Romolo Tavani – 123RF.com

Students have less than 30 days left to submit their 2019 funding applications. Applications will close officially on 30 November 2018.

More than 190,000 applications received

NSFAS Administrator Randall Carolissen said since the application cycle opened, the scheme has received 191,887 applications. This is more than double the applications in October 2017, when only 90,000 applications had been received.

“On average, NSFAS has been receiving 3,500 applications a day. The numbers can be attributed to the easy-to-complete online application system that allows applicants to complete the application within five minutes. Our partnerships across the country have also improved our outreach,” Carolissen said.

Applications opened on 1 September 2018 to eligible students wishing to further their studies in 2019 on an approved course at any public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in South Africa.

Students are encouraged to submit online applications or visit their nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centres before the closing date.

At the beginning of the campaign, NSFAS partnered with the NYDA to utilise their branches in all nine provinces to support online applications and to receive and capture manual applications on the online system.

Carolissen said more than 30,000 students have been assisted through NYDA branches since the opening of applications.

No extended window period

“NSFAS has communicated to all vice-chancellors and TVET principals that the closing date for applications is 30 November 2019 and that no extension will be granted.

“Institutions were also informed that NSFAS funded students, with a confirmed bursary offer, should not pay a registration fee when they present themselves for registration in January 2019,” Carolissen said.

Carolissen emphasised that there will be no extended window period for the 2019 applications, therefore “NSFAS will not accept any late applications after the 30 November 2018 deadline”.

Important message for applicants:

• Do not change your cellphone number or email address used for the application. These will be used by NSFAS to communicate the result of your application to you.
  
• Applicants who wish to inquire about their application status, or contest funding decisions can do so by calling the NSFAS contact centre toll free number 0860 007 327.
  
• NSFAS will only fund applicants who have been accepted on an approved course at a university or a TVET college.
  
• Students who are funded by NSFAS for the first time are required to sign the NSFAS bursary agreement form.