Editor LauraThe National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government initiative that helps poor and needy students receive funding for their studies. If you want to apply for NSFAS, here are the documents that you need:
Documents Needed For NSFAS Application 2022
1. Life/certified copy of your ID
A certified copy is an accurate, official and complete copy of an original document, bearing all its endorsements. The person who signs the certified copy must confirm that it is a true copy of the original document in their presence and under their supervision. This person is called a certified copy maker.
2. Grade 11 statement of results
The grade 11 statement of results is a document that shows your academic performance. This document is used to determine your eligibility for NSFAS. The grade 11 statement of results must be certified by the school and it must include all subjects you have taken in grade 11. The document must be valid for one year.
3. Proof of income (all those who will apply)
Your proof of income is the most important document you must submit when applying for NSFAS. You need to show how much money you make every month, and it must be for at least 3 months. A bank statement or payslip will suffice as your proof of income, but there are other documents that can also be used.
4. Valid SAQA certificate or letter of foreign exemption
- Valid SAQA certificate or letter of foreign exemption
- Proof of identity document
- Proof of residence (electricity bill, bank statement, etc.)
5. SAPS clearance letter
- SAPS clearance letter
- A letter from the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirming that you have a clean criminal record. This is required for students who have lived in South Africa for 6 months or more during the past 2 years. The letter must be signed by the police station and issued within the last 2 years. It must also be in English.
If you’re applying for NSFAS with a foreign qualification, you must still provide this documentation as well as proof of your qualifications and transcripts if requested by NSFAS.
6. Death certificate (if applicable)
If you are a single parent, the death certificate of your partner will be needed as proof. If your husband or wife died recently, you should apply for an early withdrawal and get a check from NSFAS immediately. In other cases, you should wait until the end of the year to apply for an early withdrawal.
The death certificate of your child is not required if they have been deceased for more than three years since then they will no longer be considered as part of your household income or assets (if applicable).
7. Certified divorce decree (if applicable)
If you are divorced, you must provide a certified copy of your divorce decree. However, this does not necessarily mean that it’s the document itself that needs to be certified. In most cases, all you need is a letter from your lawyer stating that the divorce has been finalized and approved by the court.
A certified copy means that you have to have it certified by a gazette officer, commissioner of oaths or notary public (there are different types but they all work in the same way).
Closing
I hope that this article has helped you understand how to apply for NSFAS. Please note that the application process can be long and tedious, but it is important that you follow all of the steps as described above. Good luck!