As the nation cheers for those who scored excellent marks in their matric exams, there are some with great results but without the financial means to pursue higher education. I was once one such person; even though my exam results earned me a university entry, two seemingly-insurmountable obstacles stood before me: 1) I didn’t have an identity document; 2) I didn’t have money to register at the University of Pretoria. Despite these odds, I paid them a visit – only to be met by an administrator asking, “Hmm… you have remarkable marks here.. but where is your ID?”
A few months later, I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join one of the top banks in the country, and I almost made it through. After reviewing my results, the manager said, “I think we can hire you and pay for your studies while you work for us.” Then she took out forms for me to fill out. I lost the opportunity when she asked for my identification. Anyway, I wouldn’t be writing this if I worked for that bank.
After two long years of trying, I finally managed to get my hands on a valid ID. However, with no money for registration fees and university tuition, things looked extremely bleak. In the end, I decided to pursue my studies part-time. To this day, many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds still grapple with similar obstacles when seeking higher education: lack of money steers them away from pursuing higher education.
There is light at the end of the tunnel
Higher Education Science and Innovation Minister Doctor Blade Nzimande promised that those approved for NSFAS funding would be able to register at tertiary institutions without having to pay a registration fee during the 2023 academic year. This development is part of plans towards creating an expansive student financial aid program in South Africa, which will ensure all aspiring students have access to equitable educational opportunities.
“This arrangement also applies to all students who qualify under historic debt funds and close-out reports; what does this mean? All NSFAS-funded students will register without having to pay anything upfront,” Nzimande announced.
The deadline for applications
“This arrangement also applies to all students who qualify under historic debt funds and close-out reports; what does this mean? All NSFAS-funded students will register without having to pay anything upfront,” he said.
Last Friday, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced that their online portal has received more than a million applications for funding ahead of the 2023 academic year. Of these total applicants, over 150 thousand are South African Social Security Agency beneficiaries – paving a path to educational opportunities and brighter futures.
“All SASSA beneficiaries have received instant funding approval, pending registration at any of our public universities or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
“NSFAS will release application results for those who applied for funding for the first time and returning students on 06 February 2023, while the funded list for continuing students has been released today,” Nzimande said.
