NATIONAL NEWS - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme reports that they have received 50 000 more applications than the same period in the previous year.
"However," says NSFAS administrator Dr Randall Carolissen, "closer analysis shows that out of the 216 758 applications received since the opening of the 2020 application cycle on 1 September, only 10% of the applicants chose TVET colleges as their preferred institution of study. This shows that as a country we have not yet positioned TVET education and the associated criticality of skills developments as an imperative choice for our national development ideals."
Carolissen says NSFAS reached the 216 758 applications mark only six weeks after the opening. Applications are open for Grade 9 to 12 learners and out-of-school youth who wish to further their studies with the support of the government bursary scheme for the 2020 academic year.
KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Limpopo remain on top of the provinces with most applications received, with the Western and Northern Cape provinces lagging behind. NSFAS has redoubled their efforts in these provinces and has secured the cooperation of the provincial governments.
According to Carolissen, the majority of applicants are out-of-school youth who intend to further studies at public universities.
"NSFAS considers each application that we receive. When processing an application, we validate information with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and Department of Social Development (DSD), thereby getting a complete profile of an applicant and family.
"We take into consideration the total household family income, home affairs and social welfare status, higher education or admission status. Information about your school, and local municipality plays a crucial role in the 2020 application system," he says.
Meeting academic requirements for tertiary studies is important, as students only become funded once registered at a public institution of higher learning for approved qualification. Applicants who are coming from working class families whose total household income is below R350 000 per annum, will be eligible to receive the government bursary.
However, funding will only be confirmed or granted as soon as proof of admission is provided to NSFAS by the institution of higher learning. Applicants with special needs or disabilities, as well as the beneficiaries of social grants, will take top priority.
"NSFAS has engaged with various provincial governments where there are low numbers of applications received. NSFAS will deploy agents to the various provinces, beginning with the Free State and the Western Cape provinces, in order to assist communities in these areas to apply for funding. This will be done through community outreach programmes. We are very thankful for the continued support received from the Premier of Free State, KwaZulu Natal, and Limpopo for organising NSFAS outreach programmes within their provinces to support the 2020 application cycle," added Carolissen.
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