Finance aid for students now online

UNIVERSITY and college students can now apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) online for the 2016 academic year.

Online applications for the financial aid schemes for select public universities and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges opened last week and will close on November 30.

Grade 12 pupils and students can now log on to the NSFAS website to apply.

NSFAS spokesman Kagisho Mamabolo is upbeat about the online application system.

“In 2014 we focused more on testing and improving the student-centred model.

“The results were positive, hence we are implementing the model. It is the future of NSFAS,” he said.

“It has changed how NSFAS interacts with beneficiaries and will in future assist in tracing them once they complete their studies and start working.”

Mamabolo said applicants should provide supporting documents and full and accurate information to avoid rejection. “We hope the new funding model will change their lives for the better by creating an effective and efficient access to higher education.” Those eligible to apply are: Grade 12 pupils from poor and working-class families who can’t afford to pay for their studies.

Eligible students who were not funded previously.

Eligible students who were funded in the previous years, but not funded in 2015.

Students can apply to be funded for studies at Unisa, Durban University of Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Venda and Sol Plaatje University. TVET colleges include King Hintsa, Motheo, Umfolozi, South Cape and Ekurhuleni East College.

Visit: www.nsfas.org.za