Streamlined NSFAS Supporting Documents Requirements: New Submission Guidelines for 2024
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has implemented new changes to its NSFAS supporting documents requirements. Starting in 2024, the scheme will no longer accept affidavits as proof of information. This change aims to improve the accuracy of applications and curb fraudulent submissions, ensuring that only those who meet the financial aid criteria receive assistance.
Affidavits were previously used by applicants to declare various household and financial conditions, but they often lacked the verification necessary to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. As a result, NSFAS found that many applicants were using affidavits to provide unverified or incorrect details, leading to discrepancies in the system.
What Documents Are Now Required?
To ensure transparency and to better assess the financial standing of applicants, NSFAS has listed specific supporting documents that need to be submitted. Instead of affidavits, applicants are required to provide verifiable documents such as:
- Proof of income – Payslips, bank statements, or confirmation letters from employers.
- SASSA grant documentation – For households receiving social grants, official SASSA letters confirming the grant amount and details are required.
- Certified copies of identity documents – Each household member’s certified ID must be submitted to verify family composition and dependents.
- Death certificates – In cases where parents or guardians are deceased, the applicant must submit an official death certificate to NSFAS.
These documents provide tangible proof of the financial and familial circumstances of the applicant, allowing NSFAS to make better-informed decisions about funding eligibility.
Why the Change?
NSFAS has made this shift to create a more efficient and fraud-proof system. The affidavits were easy to manipulate, allowing individuals to make unverified claims that could not be cross-checked effectively. By requiring specific, certified documents, NSFAS can ensure that the financial aid reaches deserving students and families who genuinely meet the scheme’s criteria.
This change also aligns with NSFAS’s goal of streamlining the application process by removing the need for applicants to visit police stations or commissioners of oaths, as was required for affidavits.
Steps to Follow for the New Document Submission Process
To make sure that applicants don’t face issues with their funding, NSFAS advises students to follow these steps when preparing their application:
- Collect accurate documents – Ensure all documents are recent and certified within the last three months.
- Submit digital copies – All required documents must be uploaded to the NSFAS online portal during the application process.
- Double-check details – Ensure all household members’ names, ID numbers, and other details are consistent across the documents to avoid delays in processing.
Failure to provide the required documentation can lead to delays or rejection of the funding application.
NSFAS’s decision to stop accepting affidavits signals a commitment to more stringent and reliable processes in awarding financial aid. By requiring verifiable documents such as income statements, SASSA letters, and certified ID copies, NSFAS is moving toward a system that will reduce fraud, enhance fairness, and ensure that resources are distributed to the right applicants.
For students applying for financial aid, understanding these new requirements and preparing accordingly will be essential to successfully secure funding.
Also read: NSFAS Login Guide: How to Successfully Check Your NSFAS Application Status
