The Government Employees Can Apply For Nsfas Fund? The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) offers financial aid to government workers in the form of a bursary, better known as the DHET bursary—or the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
How Does Employment Affect NSFAS Eligibility?
Having a job doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving NSFAS funding.
However, your employment status will be considered during the application process.
These are the main factors:
- Household Income Threshold: NSFAS determines your financial need primarily based on your household’s total combined income. The current threshold for combined household income is R350,000 per year. If your household income exceeds this limit, you may not be eligible for NSFAS funding regardless of your employment status.
- Your Income: While your employment isn’t a direct disqualifier, your income will be factored into the household income calculation. This means that a high individual income could affect your overall eligibility.
Therefore, the prospective student will not be eligible for the NSFAS bursary if they have a job and their income, along with the combined income of everyone with whom they live, exceeds R350 000 annually. However, they will be eligible if the amount is R350 000 or less.
Some students find that even though their total household income is higher than the eligibility criteria, they still cannot afford to cover their tuition. The “missing middle” term is applied to these students.
NSFAS, in response, has since stated that they are investigating how they might help with funding for students that fall within those categories. The other requirements are as follows:
- Applicants must be South African citizens
- If the applicant is a SASSA grant recipient, they qualify for funding
- For person with a disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per year
Application results will be communicated to all applicants once Nsfas has received confirmation from the institution that an academic offer has been made. Students who have been advised against applying for NSFAS student funding, include the following:
- Students who have completed a previous qualification.
- Students with a combined household income of more than R350 000 per annum.
- Students who have already applied, qualified and received funding. They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.
How to Apply For NSFAS?
The undergraduate students can reapply even if rejected once or more. The NSFAS management has clarified that everyone can apply again if they meet all the requirements. But if you are new or want some guidance to apply for the second time, follow the steps mentioned below. These will help you successfully apply for financial assistance.
- Open the official website of NSFAS. Please ensure you are on the right website, as too many links are online.
- Now observe the “Apply” tab on the screen and click it right away.
- You will see different sections on your display screen. Enter all the required information about your previous academic record, income, etc.
- Some of the important documents should be scanned and uploaded too. Please ensure you do not skip any because it might be the reason for the rejection of the application, like the last time.
- Now you are done with the registration process. Click on the “Submit” option to complete the NSFAS application form.
