Minister Dr Blade Nzimande introduces NSFAS Mastercard
Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of the Department of Higher Education introduces an NSFAS Mastercard for 2023 beneficiaries
Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation, has introduced an NSFAS Mastercard for the scheme’s beneficiaries next year.
DR BLADE NZIMANDE ANNOUNCES EXCITING CHANGES
Nzimande, officially announced the 2023 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications today, Tuesday, 27 September, consisting of a few improvements, one of which is a new payment method.
“I am pleased to announce that 2023 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications will open on Wednesday, 28 September 2022.”
Nzimande
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WHY THE NEW NSFAS MASTERCARD
Addressing the payment challenges, Minister said: “To correct issues with the payment of allowances, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) sought an alternative, secure and student-centred approach which will see students receiving their allowances through a bank card. In the 2023 academic year, NSFAS will pilot this solution with a number of students first, following which the full roll-out will occur in a phased approach”.
Nzimande further explained that the plan is to have all NSFAS beneficiaries at universities and TVET colleges receiving their allowances and transacting through the NSFAS Mastercard.
Before becoming an NSFAS Mastercard holder, you are to be a fully registered student. With the registration process usually marred by technical glitches, Dr Blade Nzimande also addressed this.
“After benchmarking with similar platforms, the NSFAS online application portal has been redesigned to be more user friendly and closer to other platforms that prospective applicants are accustomed to such as your WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram,” he explained.
“The application process has been simplified and questions asked are easier to understand.”
Nzimande
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He added: “New channels include a mobile App, USSD and WhatsApp. Through these channels, one can apply for NSFAS funding, track the application status, and cancel applications, amongst others.
Additionally, applicants will be able to pause the process and continue at a later stage without restarting from scratch”.
With the funding applications opening soon, Nzimande urged students to be vigilant of online scammers claiming to assist with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications at a fee.
“For assistance, please contact NSFAS through official social media platforms or email at info@nsfas.org.za,” he urged.
Nzimande concluded to say NSFAS will also embark on an outreach campaign to ensure that individuals who do not have access to technological devices are given the necessary resources and support to apply.
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