As January reaches its final days, a crucial deadline looms for students across South Africa. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), a pivotal provider of financial support for tertiary education, is closing its application window on January 31st. This NSFAS application deadline marks the last chance for students to secure the necessary funding for their academic pursuits in the upcoming year.

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Are you still looking for a University/TVET college to apply to? Read to the end of this article for a list of institutions that are still open.

What is NSFAS?

NSFAS is a government-funded program designed to remove financial barriers to higher education and training. It offers financial assistance to eligible students at TVET colleges and public universities, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and other essential study materials. This support is not just a loan but a means to empower students from lower-income families, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational progress.

Why the NSFAS Application Deadline Matters

The January 31st deadline is critical. Missing this date means losing out on the opportunity to receive financial aid for the entire academic year. It is a chance that comes only once a year, and with the challenges and uncertainties of funding education, it is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Who is Eligible?

NSFAS targets students who are financially needy and academically capable. This includes:

South African citizens planning to enroll or already enrolled in a public university or TVET college.
Students who have not previously received NSFAS funding.
Those who come from households with a combined annual income of less than a certain threshold, as specified by NSFAS.

How to Apply

Applying for NSFAS funding is a straightforward online process:

Visit the NSFAS official website.
Create a myNSFAS account.
Fill in the application form with the required details.
Attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit all necessary documents before the deadline.

Required Documents

Applicants must be ready with the following documents:

A copy of their ID or birth certificate.
ID copies of parents, guardians, or a spouse.
Proof of income or a year’s IRP5 (if applicable).
Consent form signed by parents or guardian.

Read here to find more about out how to apply for NSFAS funding.

To learn more about the required supporting documentation, visit our article here.

Check Your NSFAS Status

There are a few ways you can check your NSFAS application status; let us explore them here:

1. MyNSFAS portal: This is the most reliable and recommended method. Log in to the MyNSFAS student portal here: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ with your username (ID number) and password. Click on “Track Funding Progress”. Your application status will be displayed along with any relevant updates or information.

Easily check your NSFAS status here.

2. NSFAS USSD code: Follow the prompts after dialling *120*67327# on your phone. Enter your ID number and other personal details. Your application status will be displayed on your screen.

3. NSFAS WhatsApp: Message the NSFAS WhatsApp number (+27 78 519 8006) with the words “application status”. Follow the prompts and provide your ID number for verification. You should receive updates on your application status via WhatsApp.

Remember to follow NSFAS on Facebook and Twitter (@myNSFAS) for updates and announcements. You can also send them a direct message on Facebook or Twitter to inquire about your specific application.

Additional resources:

NSFAS website: https://www.nsfas.org.za/

NSFAS FAQs: https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/faqs.html

NSFAS Helpline: 0800 60 67 32

Tips:

Make sure you have your ID number and other personal information readily available when you check your status.
If your application is unsuccessful, you can submit an appeal through the MyNSFAS portal.

For more information on the appeal process, visit this article.

Universities and TVET Colleges Still Open for Applications:

If you are scrambling for a last-minute place at a higher institution of learning, this section of the article may be helpful to you. Here is a list of universities and TVET colleges that are still open for late applications.

Tshwane University of Technology

Online late applications for a limited number of courses are still available at the Pretoria and Emalahleni campuses for the 2024 intake (as of 22 January 2024). Visit the website for more details here.

Institutions Registered with the CAO

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a registered non-profit company that is authorised to recruit and process applications for admissions to the:

Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Most private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

The CAO has participating institutions that offer over 1 500 programmes, and with just one application, you can apply for up to six programmes at any of our member or partner institutions. You do not have to complete a separate application for each institution. You do not have to pay a separate administration fee to each institution. There are still places available at these institutions for late applicants.

TVET Colleges Across the Country Still Accepting Students

Several Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa have adopted an open application policy, allowing students to apply at any time during the year. This is particularly beneficial for those who might have missed the standard application deadlines for 2024.

This advanced model allows aspiring students to start their educational pursuits without being bound by strict application dates. It is especially advantageous for students aiming to acquire hands-on skills and vocational training, as it provides more opportunities for them to begin their educational journey.

TVET College Applications in the Eastern Cape

IKhala TVET College: With its five campuses, IKhala provides courses in business management, electrical infrastructure construction, hospitality, and more. The application process is straightforward, involving an online career guidance questionnaire and submission of necessary documents.

King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College: Prospective students can apply by downloading the application form for business studies and engineering programmes from the college’s website and submitting it with the required documents.

TVET College Applications in the Free State

Goldfields TVET College: Dedicated to filling the skills gap through quality vocational education, it offers various programs, including the National Certificate (Vocational), Nated/Report 191, and Pre-Vocational Learning Programme. Applications are accepted online, accompanied by a career guidance test and relevant documents.

Maluti TVET College: This college focuses on learnership and skills development programmes. The application involves a pre-screening test on the college’s website, followed by the submission of an application form and supporting documents.

TVET College Applications in Gauteng

Sedibeng TVET College: Located in southern Johannesburg, the college offers engineering, business, and National Certificate (Vocational) programmes. Candidates can apply online, complete the application form, and submit the necessary documents.

Westcol TVET College: With its seven campuses in West Rand, Westcol provides courses in business, general studies, engineering, and Report 191 (Nated) programmes. The application process includes online registration, a career interest questionnaire, course selection, and document upload.

TVET College Applications in KwaZulu-Natal

Mnambithi TVET College: Situated in Ladysmith and Estcourt, Mnambithi offers courses in electrical infrastructure construction, hospitality, finance, accounting, and economics. Applicants need to register on the college’s website, attach the required documents, and take a placement test.

Umgungundlovu TVET College: Specialising in business studies, engineering studies, and National Certificate Vocational programmes, applications to the college are made by selecting a course on the college’s website and submitting the application with the necessary documents.

TVET College Applications in Limpopo

Letaba TVET College: With campuses in Polokwane, Giyane, Central, Maake, and Tzaneen, Letaba offers programs in business, engineering, services, and other skills. The application process includes online registration, course selection, and document submission.

Vhembe TVET College: The college is spread across seven campuses in Limpopo and provides programs in business studies, engineering studies, and utility studies. Applications involve creating an account on the college’s website, completing a Career Guidance assessment, and submitting required documents.

For detailed information on the application processes and program offerings of each college, please visit their respective websites.

Final Words of Advice

With the deadline fast approaching, prospective applicants must act swiftly. Ensure that all documents are in order, double-check the application for completeness, and submit it as soon as possible. Missing this deadline could mean missing out on a year of education, so it’s crucial to prioritise this application.

Remember, the future is in your hands, and the NSFAS funding could be the key to unlocking your academic potential. Don’t let this opportunity slip away – apply before January 31st!