Can I Still Get NSFAS If I Have A Partial Bursary?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a crucial role in supporting access to higher education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. If you’re wondering whether you can still receive NSFAS funding when you already have a partial bursary from another source, let’s delve into the details.
‘Top-Up’ Basis
Top up funding is a form of financial aid that NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) provides to students who are not fully covered by their existing bursaries or scholarships. This means that if you have a bursary or scholarship from another source, but it does not cover all your tuition fees, accommodation, books, etc., you may be eligible for top up funding from NSFAS to fill the gap.
Who is eligible for top up funding?
To be eligible for top up funding, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a first time entry student in 2018 or later.
- You must come from a household with a combined direct gross income of up to R350 000 per annum.
- You must have been awarded a bursary or scholarship from another funder, such as the private sector, foundations, other national or provincial departments, etc.
- You must not qualify for a full NSFAS bursary, which covers all your study-related costs.
How to apply for top up funding?
To apply for top up funding, you must first apply for NSFAS funding through the online portal or at a National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centre. You must also submit proof of your bursary or scholarship from another funder, such as a letter of award or a contract.
NSFAS will then conduct a means test to determine your financial need and the amount of top up funding you are entitled to. The means test will require your consent and the consent of your parents/legal guardians/spouse for NSFAS to verify your household income.
What are the benefits of top up funding?
Top up funding can help you pay for the costs that your bursary or scholarship does not cover, such as registration fees, accommodation, transport, books, etc. This can reduce your financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies.
Top up funding can also prevent “double dipping”, which is when students receive funding from more than one source for the same costs. This can lead to wastage of resources and unfairness to other students who need funding. NSFAS will work with universities and other funders to ensure that there is no double dipping and that students are effectively funded.
What are the exceptions to the means test?
There are some cases where you do not have to undergo a means test to qualify for top up funding. These include:
- If you are from a family that receives child support grants or disability grants from SASSA (South African Social Security Agency), you will automatically qualify for funding and do not need a means test.
- If you attended a Quintile 1, 2 or 3 school, which are the poorest schools in the country, you will also automatically qualify for funding and do not need a means test.
However, you still need to apply for NSFAS funding and submit proof of your bursary or scholarship from another funder.
