The National Research Fund (NRF) will now prioritise all NSFAS-funded undergraduate students who meet the criteria for admission to pursue their honours, masters and doctoral studies in areas of Science, Engineering, Technology, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
Minister Blade Nzimande made the announcement on Tuesday while briefing the media on the state of readiness for the post school education and training sector, for the 2023 academic year.
“The full cost of study or partial cost of study funding will be awarded to South African citizens and permanent residents only, who are either financially needy (whose combined household family income is less than or equal to R350 000 per annum), living with a disability or exceptional academic achievers.
“All NRF continuing students who are eligible for a second or third year of funding must submit a progress report and not a new application,” Nzimande said.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is currently finalising the upfront payment schedule to Universities and TVET colleges. Payments are expected to be made by end of January 2023.
“This means that all NSFAS-funded students will be registered by all the institutions without paying an upfront registration fee.
“Those who have applied for NSFAS funding for 2023 are encouraged to log onto their myNSFAS accounts to track their applications,” Nzimande explained.
NSFAS applicants can also access their application updates through a new WhatsApp line and a USSD code by adding NSFAS on WhatsApp: 078 519 8006 or dialing *120*67327 to track their application status.
As of 2023, first time entering students (FTENs) must achieve a course credit pass rate of 50%, according to the Minister, while continuing students must achieve a progressive course credit pass rate of 55%.
NSFAS applications for the 2023 academic year close on 31 January 2023.
