The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a financial scheme put in place by the South African government in order to afford undergraduate tertiary students from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance at furthering their studies beyond high school.
This financial aid scheme is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and helps thousands of learners at universities, TVET colleges, and other institutions of higher learning. Depending on your financial need, the financial scheme can cover costs for tertiary fees, accommodation, food, and transport.
For students already enrolled at institutions of higher learning, NSFAS announces an overall average of 60% pass, 5% more than the original percentage.
WATCH: Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande delivers his department’s state readiness for the 2024 academic year.
As the country gears up for institutions of higher learning re-openings, internet users dissected the qualifying percentage change, commenting:
NSFAS changes pass criteria rate
Students who fail to obtain a 60% course average will no longer receive financial aid starting from next year (2025). pic.twitter.com/olYyaAao3Y
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 24, 2024
Others expressed the need for the qualifying overall average increase saying it should have been done sooner.
WHY did government have to WAIT UNTIL they started running out of money to put such requirements in? This should have been there from DAY ONE!!!!
— Sam Trong (@SamTrong3) January 24, 2024
This could have been worded differently to avoid confusion. The criteria is 60% of the total number of modules. Not necessarily 60% average pass mark. For example if you are doing 10 modules you must pass atleast 6 of them, even if you pass with 50s.
— Jewel? (@Kee_Mahosi) January 25, 2024
Also see: WATCH: Mom uses shopping bags to cover son’s school books
