Can you Apply for NSFAS Twice? | SASSA & Loans

Financial assistance plans are great for students needing support to fulfill their dreams. Programs like NSFAS are a great initiative that benefits many South African citizens. The students often get confused if they can reapply after their application got rejected once.

I researched to dig deeper into this phenomenon to answer some queries. The information given in the article will help you decide whether to reapply or wait for another opportunity. I am sure that by reaching the end of the article, you will know about the requirements of NSFAS and the reapplication process.

Since the late 1900s, the NSFAS has received thousands of student applications. They can’t cater to thousands of applications, so they shortlist and choose the ones that fulfill the criteria. Many questions are asked regarding this scheme by the South African government. I have tried my best to address some common queries that will help you with the application process.

Can You Apply For NSFAS Twice?

The most asked question is about reapplying again if the NSFAS’s team rejected the first request. Students whose applications were not approved the first time can reapply again. There is no rule that one-time applicants cannot apply again. Hence if you have applied once and the application was rejected, you can reapply for a second time if you fulfill the criteria.

This led to confusion, so the agency addressed the problem itself. Now thousands of people apply for this scholarship because they don’t have to worry about finances. Initially, an amount of R30 billion was released for this scheme. Later, the amount was increased to R46 billion in 2020 because the number of applicants also increased.

TESFA, a program by a non-profit company, manages the NSFAS. All the management of the applications to the selection process is done by the employees working with this company. Three hundred ninety-nine employees work here who are given the tasks of going through the applications and referring them to higher management for the selection process.

One thing that is important to know is that this fund is only for South African citizens or someone who is permanently residing in the country. This scheme helps reduce financial burdens by covering the selected students’ tuition fees, accommodation, food, and travel allowances. You can reapply next year if your NAFAS application does not get accepted.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme can’t select every candidate who applies, so they allow the students to reapply if they fail to get accepted. The only thing that matters is to meet all the requirements. A few of them are given below so you can know before reapplying for financial assistance.

Eligibility/Requirements for Applying Again

• Only South African citizens are allowed to apply for NSFAS. They should be permanently residing in the country to become eligible.
• You can still apply for this assistance even if you have taken other beneficiaries, such as SASSA.
• All the students who are not stable and have a combined income of less than R350000 can apply. This amount of combined income is calculated every year.
• If you are a disabled person whose family income is less than R600000, you are eligible for NSFAS.
• Students who were enrolled in university in 2018 can also apply. They should have a combined income of R120000 or less.

How to Apply For NSFAS?

The undergraduate students can reapply even if rejected once or more. The NSFAS management has clarified that everyone can apply again if they meet all the requirements. But if you are new or want some guidance to apply for the second time, follow the steps mentioned below. These will help you successfully apply for financial assistance.

• Open the official website of NSFAS. Please ensure you are on the right website, as too many links are online.
• Now observe the “Apply” tab on the screen and click it right away.
• You will see different sections on your display screen. Enter all the required information about your previous academic record, income, etc.
• Some of the important documents should be scanned and uploaded too. Please ensure you do not skip any because it might be the reason for the rejection of the application, like the last time.
• Now you are done with the registration process. Click on the “Submit” option to complete the NSFAS application form.

FAQs

Conclusion

A short but informational article on the reapplication for NSFAS is given. This will help all South African students who are not financially stable. The total amount of R46 billion is kept separately for this program. You can reapply if your previous application got rejected for some reason. Just fulfill all the eligibility criteria and submit the application form.