NSFAS: Applications running smoothly
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says there have not been any glitches in its system since the start of the 2019 application process on Monday.
Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor officially reopened the application period last week, after suspending it in July to allow the aid scheme to clear the backlog from the previous two years.
"So far we have received more than 400 applications since this morning, the system is doing very well. We have currently recorded over 8000 visitors on our website and over 2800 calls through our toll free number since we launched last week. So the system is coping very well,” says national spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo.
NSFAS has also encouraged students to apply online during this process.
"If you have access to the internet you really do not need to go to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office or the University financial aid office. You can only go there if you want the paper application or you don't have access to internet," says Mamabolo.
Students have also been given the option of applying at the nearest NYDA offices for funding.
"I think our NYDA at universities and colleges will be ready in about a week’s time. Our people will be down on the ground, but for now everyone should apply online,” Mamabolo adds.