Editor LauraThe National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding to South African students who are enrolled in higher education institutions. The scheme aims to make it easier for students from poor families to obtain the necessary funds to complete their studies. If you have already been awarded funding through NSFAS and need more help, then you can apply for more assistance if your circumstances change.
Does NSFAS Fund You If You Change University?
If you have changed your course, it is possible to apply for NSFAS funding again. However, you will need to provide proof that you were unable to complete your studies at your previous university. If the institution where you studied offers a degree extension service, you can use this service as evidence. This will allow them to determine whether or not they should grant funding and how much money is available for your new study period.
You can only get NSFAS funding for three years or a four year degree.
You can only get NSFAS funding for three years or a four year degree. If you are studying for a four year degree, you can apply for NSFAS funding for the first three years. This means that if your course is shorter than three years, you cannot get any funding from NSFAS and will have to pay your own fees.
You can make an application for funding for another degree if you have changed your course.
If you have changed the course of study, you can apply for funding for another degree.
You will still be eligible for funding if:
- You started studying at a university but later transferred to another institution of higher learning.
- You were residing outside South Africa when you applied for NSFAS and now want to study locally.
You will not be able to obtain NSFAS funding if you have already graduated with a degree from another institution.
If you have already graduated with a degree from another institution and want to apply for funding for another degree, then you will not be able to obtain NSFAS funding. You will only be able to get NSFAS funding if your current course is different than the one that you studied previously.
If you are looking to change universities and you do not have reports from your previous study records, you should contact your old institution to find out if they have them.
If the university does not have your academic report, then check with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and ask them what documents they require from your previous institution in order for them to give you funding. If the university does not provide these documents or has not sent them on time, this may cause delays with receiving funding from NSFAS.
A study by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme has found that students who change universities often did so because they wanted better facilities and resources, more social interaction and more variety in their courses.
The study, which surveyed 3 000 first-year students, found that while some students simply made a mistake when choosing their university or course, others were forced to find another institution because the one they had chosen was unable to provide the necessary support for them.
Closing
You should contact your new university to find out if they have any funding opportunities. You may also be able to apply for a government bursary or scholarship if you have good grades and meet certain criteria.