In a recent announcement by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, the new NSFAS eligibility criteria for students wishing to utilize NSFAS funding in 2024 have undergone significant changes.
These adjustments are designed to ensure that the scheme efficiently supports students who are not only in need of financial aid but are also committed to succeeding academically.
This article delves deep into these changes, providing a thorough understanding for students at public universities and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges across South Africa.
Related: Money for “Missing Middle” Families: A New NSFAS Funding Model for Support
New NSFAS Eligibility for Funding
In an effort to streamline financial support and promote academic excellence, the Department of Higher Education and Training has introduced new NSFAS eligibility criteria for funding.
Let us break down what these changes mean for prospective and continuing students at public universities and TVET colleges.
University Students Academic Eligibility
- The introduction of a 50% credit pass rate requirement for first-year university students seeking NSFAS funding marks a pivotal shift in how financial support is allocated. This criterion is not just a mere policy adjustment; it embodies a broader vision for enhancing the quality of higher education in South Africa.
- For both continuing and First Time Entering Students (FTEN) at universities, a 60% course credit pass rate by the end of the 2024 academic year is required for 2025 funding eligibility. This criterion underscores the continuous expectation of academic achievement throughout one’s studies.
TVET College Academic Eligibility
For students enrolled in the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] programs, academic progression is a key determinant for NSFAS funding eligibility. Specifically:
- Subject Pass Requirement: To progress to the next NC(V) level and qualify for a NSFAS bursary, students must have passed at least five subjects in their previous NC(V) level. This criterion ensures that students are academically prepared to take on the challenges of the next level, reinforcing the importance of consistent academic performance.
Report 191 Program Progression
Students pursuing Report 191 programs, which include NATED courses leading to national diplomas in technical and vocational fields, face their own set of academic progression criteria:
- Minimum Subject Passes: Progression to the next Report 191 level, and eligibility for NSFAS funding, requires students to have passed a minimum of three subjects in the previous N-Level. This requirement is designed to maintain a standard of academic achievement and readiness for advancing through the successive levels of the program.
Academic Criteria for Occupational Programs
TVET colleges offer a range of occupational programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for specific careers. The academic progression criteria for students in these programs are as follows:
- College-Determined Criteria: The academic progression requirements for continuing students in occupational programs are determined by the individual TVET colleges. These criteria are tailored to the specific demands and outcomes of each program.
- Communication with NSFAS: TVET colleges are responsible for sharing the results and academic progression of students in occupational programs with NSFAS. This ensures that funding decisions are informed by accurate and up-to-date information regarding each student’s academic status.
Allowance Adjustments
The adjustments to the living allowances for both TVET college and university students under the NSFAS funding scheme are significant changes that reflect the evolving needs of South African students. These adjustments are not just about numbers; they are about acknowledging the real costs of pursuing higher education and ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic success. Let’s explore the implications and benefits of these adjustments in more detail.
TVET College Students
- Urban Area accommodation: R24,000 per annum
- Peri-Urban Area accommodation: R18,900 per annum
- Rural Area accommodation: R15,750 per annum
- Transport Allowance: For commuting students, transport allowances are provided as follows:
- Up to 40 km from the institution: R7,350 per annum
- General Transport Allowance: R7,000 per annum
- Annual Allowance: Similar to university students, TVET college students also receive an incidental/personal care allowance of R2,900 per annum, aimed at covering personal expenses that arise during the academic year.
University Students
- Cost Coverage: Accommodation costs are covered as per the actual charges by the university. It is important to note that costs for private accommodation must not exceed the costs for university residence, ensuring fairness and affordability in housing options for students.
- Transport Allowance: For students who commute, a transport allowance of R7,500 per annum is provided, applicable to commutes up to 40km from the institution. This allowance helps to ease the burden of daily travel expenses.
- Living Allowance: A living allowance of R15,000 per annum is allocated to university students. This allowance is designed to assist with daily expenses, enabling students to focus more on their studies.
- Book Allowance: An annual book allowance of R5,200 is provided to support the purchase of textbooks and other academic materials necessary for successful study.
- Annual Allowance for Catered Residences: Students in catered residences receive an incidental/personal care allowance of R2,900 per annum, assisting with personal expenses.
Related: NSFAS Student Accommodation
Students with Disabilities: Enhanced Support and Policy Compliance
NSFAS demonstrates a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities, ensuring that their funding package addresses these needs comprehensively. This section outlines the specific provisions and policies in place for students with disabilities, emphasizing the scheme’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all students.
Support for Students with Disabilities
For students with disabilities, NSFAS offers tailored support mechanisms, particularly when it comes to human assistance. Recognizing the diverse needs of these students, NSFAS provisions include:
- Carer Support: In cases where students require the assistance of a carer, NSFAS allows for the selection of a carer by the student living with a disability. This selection is subject to approval by the institution, ensuring that the chosen carer meets the necessary standards and requirements. Importantly, all supporting documents must be ratified by NSFAS before funding approval is granted. This ensures that the support provided aligns with the student’s specific needs and complies with NSFAS guidelines.
Compliance with National Policies
The 2024 NSFAS policy explicitly mandates compliance with the National Treasury and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). This adherence to national requirements is crucial for several reasons:
- Funding Decisions and Payments: All decisions related to NSFAS funding, as well as the disbursement of payments, are subject to the stringent requirements and restrictions outlined by the National Treasury and the PFMA. This ensures that the allocation and management of funds are conducted transparently, responsibly, and in line with national financial governance standards.
- Accountability and Governance: By aligning its operations with these requirements, NSFAS underscores its commitment to accountability and good governance. This not only enhances the scheme’s credibility and integrity but also ensures that public funds are utilized effectively to support the educational aspirations of South African students, including those with disabilities.
Conditions on Policy Changes: Navigating Transitions and Academic Progress
NSFAS funding is a lifeline for many South African students pursuing higher education. However, it is governed by specific conditions that address changes in a student’s academic journey, such as institution type changes, deregistration, or non-compliance with academic progression rules. Understanding these conditions is crucial for students to ensure continuity in their NSFAS funding.
Changes in Institution Types
- Re-application Requirement: Students who decide to change their institution type, whether transitioning from a TVET college to a university or the reverse, are required to re-apply for NSFAS funding. This stipulation acknowledges the different cost structures and funding needs associated with each type of institution.
Deregistration or Dropout
- Future Re-application: Students who de-register or drop out during an academic term and wish to resume their studies in subsequent terms must re-apply for NSFAS funding. This condition ensures that funding is allocated to active students and that those returning to their studies re-establish their eligibility under current guidelines.
Compliance with the N+ Rule
The N+ Rule is a critical component of NSFAS funding, designed to promote timely completion of studies while allowing some flexibility for academic setbacks.
- University N+ Rule: For university students, the N+ Rule is based on the number of years a student has been registered in the higher education sector. This rule aims to ensure that students complete their studies within a reasonable timeframe, taking into account the standard duration of their program plus an additional allowance for unforeseen circumstances or academic challenges.
- TVET College N+ Rule: For TVET college students, the N+ Rule is determined by the number of NSFAS-funded academic terms. Students may receive funding for an additional term beyond the standard program duration for purposes of repeating any level, from entry to exit. This flexibility is designed to support students who face academic hurdles, allowing them an opportunity to successfully complete their studies.
- Occupational Programmes Exception: It’s important to note that the N+ Rule does not apply to occupational programmes. These programmes are typically aligned with employment contracts that do not accommodate an N+1 period of study, reflecting the vocational and employment-oriented nature of these courses.
For students planning to apply for NSFAS funding in 2024, understanding these criteria is the first step toward securing the financial support necessary for a successful academic journey. With this guide, students and their families can better navigate the changes, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the new requirements and make the most of the opportunities provided by NSFAS funding.