Nzimande announces NSFAS 2023 applications are open
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, held a media briefing on Tuesday, announcing the 2023 appplications for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme that opened on Wednesday.
As NSFAS is about to celebrate its 30th
anniversary, Nzimande said the scheme has resolved the issue to open the
application process early, as opposed to the previous year, in order to give
applicants enough time to submit their applications and supporting documents.
Amongst other announcements, the minister also gave an
update report on NSFAS funding for this year`s academic funding and highlighted
that a budget of R43 billion was allocated to NSFAS towards the beneficiarie`s
tuition fees.
He added that 985 672 applications were received, while 140
636 applications were unsuccessful. Of the applications that were received, there
were approximately 739 526 applications that were provisionally funded from
their institutions.
While trying to improve its application system, Nzimande
said this year that NSFAS has implemented a number of enhancements to the
system to ensure a smooth application process and added that the NSFAS online
application portal was redesigned to be more user friendly.
The minister concluded by ensuring that no applicant will
be left behind, and said NSFAS will embark on an outreach campaign, to ensure
that individuals who do not have access to technological devices that enable
them to apply online are given the necessary resources and support to apply.
By Lulama Klassen
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