The closing date for applications for funding for Technical Vocational Education Training students is Friday, 17 February.

This is a reminder sent by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which says it has provided funding for about 300 000 students for 2017.

NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo says management has acknowledged the delays in communicating the outcome of the results of some students’ applications.

“The delays could be attributed to a number of challenges, including the changes in last year’s academic calendars at some institutions and a significant number of applications that had missing supporting documents,” he says.

Students have been encouraged to go the nearest NSFAS offices to apply or to do it online. The process could take about 30 minutes.

NSFAS says successful applicants can receive their funding within 48 hours if all criteria has been met and an agreement form signed by the student.

Funds are transferred to their college and not directly into their personal accounts.

NSFAS says priority is given to deserving students from households with an income below R122 000 a year.


In order to qualify for funding an eligible student must meet the following requirements:

  • South African citizen
  • Financial needy as determined by the NSFAS means test
  • Academically deserving and demonstrate ability to succeed in their studies.
  • Intending to study at a public university or TVET college for first higher education qualification

Students are expected to have the following documents:

  • Matric certificate
  • Identity document/birth certificate
  • Last academic results
  • Proof of income of parent/s (if parent/s employed)
  • Death certificate/s (if parent/s deceased)
  • Doctor’s certificate (if permanently disabled)