What does NSFAS missing middle Mean? ANSWERED

What Does The NSFAS 'Not Funded' Status Mean?

NSFAS bursaries will help about a million students in 2024. But they are not the only ones who will get help from the financial aid scheme after the start of the Comprehensive Student Funding model.

The first phase of the Comprehensive Student Funding model is set to be carried out by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This is important because it means funding for the missing middle.

Students who are not eligible for NSFAS bursaries will get government support under the Comprehensive Funding Model that was launched by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.

Read also: Prof Lourens Van Staden : Facts about NSFAS acting Chair

Meaning of NSFAS missing middle

Missing middle students refer to individuals who come from households with a combined income exceeding the threshold set by NSFAS of R350,000 and don’t qualify for government-funded support. Despite exceeding the household income threshold, these students cannot afford the cost of higher education.

NSFAS Funding for the missing middle

The loan scheme for missing middle students will receive R3,8 billion in 2024, as announced by Nzimande. The National Skills Fund will contribute R1,5 billion and the Setas will provide R2,3 billion. This will cover 47% of the missing middle students, which are about 31 884 out of 68 446.

NSFAS thanked the government for making the funds available to help missing middle students pursue their higher education. The minister also said that the fund will increase every year and reach more than R42 billion in 10 years.

NSFAS Support for “Missing Middle” Students: How it will work

NSFAS support for “Missing Middle” students will be provided in a form of student loan.

If a student qualifies for the loan scheme but not the bursary scheme, they will get a loan offer for their consideration.

NSFAS student loan Eligibility

  1. Students from households with an income between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum.
  2. Attend public universities or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
  3. Pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
  4. Exceptions may apply for students with disabilities, households earning no more than R650,000, and households with more than one student at university within the same income limit.

NSFAS Loan Funding Coverage

The loan will cover expenses related to tuition fees, learning materials, and accommodation.

NSFAS Loan Allocation

  • 70% of the funding will be directed toward students in STEM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
  • The remaining 30% will support Humanities programs.

Terms and Conditions for the NSFAS Loan

  • Students must sign a loan agreement.
  • They need to apply for a loan continuation each year.
  • Maintaining a minimum overall average of 60% is required.
  • Students achieving a minimum overall average of 70% may qualify for a 50% reduction in their loan.

How to Apply for the NSFAS Loan

To apply for the NSFAS loan, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the myNSFAS website.
  2. Click the “Create Profile” tab and fill in your details.
  3. Log in using your ID number and password.
  4. Complete the online application form.

NOTE: If you’ve already applied for the NSFAS bursary, there’s no need to submit a new application for the student loan scheme.

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