THE National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says it has been inundated with 141 933 applications since the beginning of September.
In a statement, the scheme said it is on average receiving more than 4 000 applications a day.
“The number is going as high as 6 000 a day on peak weeks. By 30 September, NSFAS had received an additional 27 455 applications, compared to the 101 545 received around the same time last year,” said NSFAS in the statement.
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On entering its second month, the NSFAS applications cycle has officially opened for Grade 9 to12 learners and out of school youth who wish to further their studies at any TVET college in South Africa during the 2020 academic year. Prospective applicants have until 30 November 2019 midnight to apply for funding.
As part of the application drive to encourage qualifying persons to apply on time, NSFAS has embarked on a nationwide 2020 applications roadshow.
“The purpose of the roadshow is to reach out to learners and out of school youth who need NSFAS funding but have challenges with accessing the application resources,” said NSFAS.
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Applications are submitted online by creating a myNSFAS account on the NSFAS website; www.nsfas.org.za. Applicants with an existing account can sign in using their usernames and password or Facebook/Google accounts.
Students can also submit their applications using their smartphones. Applicants should have working cell phone numbers and a valid email address before applying.
NSFAS said it is important for applicants to attach all required supporting documents when submitting an application. Submitting all the required documents will enable NSFAS to process the application timeously.
For full addresses of all applications centres visit www.nsfas.org.za.
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