[ad_1]
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande.
- The National Student Financial Aid Plan has so far received 300,995 applications for the 2021 tertiary academic year.
- Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said the number was extremely overwhelming and encouraging.
- Nzimande promised to provide technology resources to the 68% of the general student population who indicated they needed a laptop or tablet.
The National Student Financial Aid Plan (NSFAS) has so far received 300,995 applications for the 2021 tertiary academic year.
This is about 20,000 more applications compared to the same period last year.
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said the number was extremely overwhelming and encouraging and they anticipated a large volume of applications before the closing date.
Nzimande said the applications received were consistent for the past three consecutive years, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo leading with the most applications submitted.
READ | SA loses 2.2 million jobs in the second quarter
“In an effort to reach eligible students who need financial aid but are unable to access NSFAS funds due to a lack of internet services or application resources in their areas, the offices of the National Agency for Youth Development (NYDA) Nationally open to the public, these offices have been in full operation since September 14, 2020.
“More than 15 National Department of Basic Education (DBE) teacher centers from various provinces have been made available for use by applicants during this application cycle. Applicants can access these facilities during school hours,” he said. Nzimande.
Nzimande promised to provide technology resources to the 68% of the general student population who indicated they needed a laptop or tablet.
Data
“The provision of data to college students remains high across the system. On average, across the system, 94% of undergraduate students receive data. The provision of data is expected to decrease in the coming months as get more students back on campus so you have access to campus networks and WiFi.
“A tender to supply and deliver laptops to NSFAS students was re-announced on September 4 and closed on September 21. By the closing date, a total of 140 tender proposals had been received. NSFAS is evaluating currently the tender proposals, with the award of the tender that is estimated to end on October 31 “.
Nzimande said that once the service provider is designated, the learning devices will be delivered directly to the students.
“Only department-funded NSFAS contact students currently registered for the 2020 academic year will qualify to receive a device. NSFAS also welcomed further collaboration with pre-funding agencies wishing to opt into the scheme based on budget availability and their conditions, “Nzimande said.
Did you know that you can comment on this article? Subscribe to News24 and add your voice to the conversation.
