The NSFAS 2024 application opening date is 21 November 2023 while the closing date is 31 January 2024, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme announced in a statement on Monday (13 November).
Opening applications in November will give beneficiaries a shorter turnaround time for decision making, the Scheme added. NSFAS’ financial eligibility assessment requires updated information from the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The Scheme therefore had to wait for the SARS tax period to end.
Important details for NSFAS 2024 application
Validation processes
The Scheme urged students making their NSFAS 2024 application to do so on time. “It is also important that students note that they don’t need results when they are entering post-school education and training for the first time,” it added.
“Furthermore, NSFAS is engaged in conversation with the Department of Basic Education to improve the application validation processes, including verifying parental relationships. All these improvements will ensure that funding decisions are confirmed timeously.”
NSFAS further urged applicants to provide accurate information when applying, especially parental information, to avoid delays (such as appeal processes) when Home Affairs validations fail. “The parental relationship verification has been a huge challenge, where students change their parents’ information for the sake of the bursary. Our partnership with DBE will further strengthen our ability to verify parental relationships,” it added.
SASSA beneficiaries
The Scheme said it will continue making immediate funding decisions for new applicants who are beneficiaries of social grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). This means that applicants can receive an outcome as soon as they submit their application.
It added, “The moment you are verified as a SASSA beneficiary, we will not require any supporting document. In fact, all new applicants will not require supporting documents, except for learners with disabilities. All rejected applicants will be able appeal and it is important that students submit the appropriate supporting documents.”
NSFAS mobile app
A mobile app will soon be available on Apple’s App Store (for iPhones) and Google Play (for Android devices) during the NSFAS applications for 2024 period. An app for Huawei devices will be rolled out later. The app will have biometric capability, NSFAS said.
How to track your NSFAS application status
Students will be able to track their NSFAS application status and funding via WhatsApp using the number 078 519 8006. Alternatively, they can dial the USSD code *120*67327# on their cellphones and follow the prompts.