Rumbidzo Chikomo

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande announced on Monday the 3^rd of August that National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) 2021 application cycle is officially opened.

This year the NSFAS application cycle will run for a period of four months, starting from the 3^rd of August until the 30^th of November 2020 (closing date). These applications are opened for students who come from difficult backgrounds and wish to further their studies at any university or any public Technical and Vocational Educational and Training College (TVET).

To qualify for this funding, one needs to be a South African citizen that come from a home where the annual income is no more than R350 000 and for student with disabilities, a combined annual income of no more than R600 000.

Nzimande stated that in the currently year NSFAS has funded over 700 000 student (248 242 at TVET and 481 339 at universities) which is a 20% increase from last year when comparing registration data received in the same period.

Applications for 2021 funding will be done online as per previous years on myNSFAS portal. A copy of your ID or birth certificate is all that new applicants will need to register and to create a profile on the NSFAS portal while those with accounts already just need to login.

The Minister stated that “While great work for 2021 application cycle is underway, I want to reassure our current beneficiaries that the department, along with NSFAS, is working tirelessly ensuring that the 2020 academic year is saved and concluded to usher in the new academic year”

Therefore, all students are encouraged to make use of this opportunity while there is still time.

Picture: ewn.co.za