The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, has urged students in need of financial assistance to apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme to apply timeously.
On Monday Nzimande appealed to Grade 12 learners, TVET college and University students, who have never been funded before, to apply early ahead of the 30th of November cut-off date.
"In this regard, it is very important for students, parents and guardians to know that NSFAS will not open another window for new applications after this November 30 cut-off date - as doing so will delay the process of finalising funding lists for 2018," he said.
Applications for financial aid in 2018 through NSFAS opened for learners who wish to study at a public higher education institution or a technical and vocational education and training college on 1 August 2017
Nzimande further highlighted the importance for matriculants to make sure that they do not wait until have finished writing their exams to apply.
Prospect applicants have also been urged to ensure documentation is included before handing in their applications.
"For ease of processing applications, we also wish to emphasise the need for students to make sure that their applications include all the requisite supporting documentations including certified copies of their and their parents IDs, or an unabridged birth certificate," Nzimande said.
The Minister has also encouraged applicants to take advantage of NSFAS application centres such as local National Development Agency offices, university and college support service units.
2017 NSFAS funded students that will be progressing to the next academic level in 2018 need not re-apply for funding.
"Students who are currently enrolled and were not funded in 2017 or those have never received NSFAS funding, and whose family circumstances have changed and believe that they qualify for NSFAS funding - should apply," he said.
The department also advised students that only applications submitted online or via the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), as well as through participating universities and colleges would be accepted.
"Moving forward we encourage all our young people to start applying for their smart identification cards in time for the 2019 enrolment period as this would make the processing of applications even more efficient due to completeness of all individuals' records", Nzimande added.
As at 9 October 2017, NSFAS had already received 80 494 valid applications.
