NSFAS calls on grant beneficiaries to apply

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In a statement, NSFAS administrator Randall Carolissen said the affected applicants were social grant beneficiaries registering for the first time or continuing with their studies at public universities and TVET colleges in 2019.

“All prospective students who are currently receiving or have previously received any of the social grants including the Care Dependency Grant, Child Support Grant, Foster Child Grant and the Disability Grant automatically qualify for NSFAS funding,” said Carolissen.

An agreement exists between NSFAS and the Department of Social Development that clears all social grants beneficiaries from submitting any proof of income when they apply for student funding.

NSFAS said students who are funded and have received payments from NSFAS for their 2018 studies and will be continuing with their existing qualification in 2019 are not required to reapply for 2019 funding.

“Students are, however, encouraged to ensure that they sign their NSFAS agreement forms,” Carolissen said.

Prospective students from households with a combined income of up to R350,000 per annum, who will be registering at a public university or TVET college in 2019 for the first time, are eligible for funding and must apply now.

“Students from households with a combined income of R350,000 per annum, who registered in 2018 for their first qualification and were not funded in 2018, are eligible for funding and must apply now,” said Carolissen.

Applicants need to submit certified copies of their South African birth certificate or ID document and authentic proof of income if parents or guardians are employed. Certified copies of parents or guardians’ IDs would also have to accompany the application.

These documents need to be accompanied by a completed consent form, which NSFAS requires in order to confirm and verify the identity and income of the parents or guardians of the applicant.

The form can be downloaded from www.nsfas.org.za.

Prospective applicants are urged to make applications on online at www.nsfas.org.za.

“Should you require assistance, you may call our toll-free number on 08000 67327 or visit your nearest NYDA office. Check the NSFAS website for more details on additional application centres,” NSFAS said.