The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has paved the way for millions of students to obtain higher education qualifications. Their comprehensive funding helps students tackle the financial hurdles of getting a degree.
NSFAS funding not only includes tuition and registration fees but also includes several NSFAS allowances to cover costs associated with a student's time at campus. This includes a living allowance and a learning material allowance.
The accommodation allowance is a lifeline for students residing far from their university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. Students living close to their campuses receive a transport allowance in place of a living allowance.
There is a group of students, however, who do not receive these allowances from NSFAS.
NSFAS Allowances for Distance TVET Students
While many NSFAS benefits apply, distance TVET college students only receive the personal care allowance of R3,045. This difference stems from the nature of distance learning.
What is Distance Education?
NSFAS defines distance education as a mode of provision based primarily on a set of teaching and learning strategies (or educational methods) that can be used to overcome spatial and/or transactional distance between educators and students.
It avoids the need for students to discover the curriculum by attending classes frequently and for long periods. Instead, it may use a combination of different media, tutorial support, peer group discussion, and practical sessions.
Why the Difference in Allowances?
Since distance learning primarily involves studying from home, NSFAS assumes students don't require a travel allowance and already have existing accommodations. Therefore, the personal care allowance helps cover miscellaneous expenses associated with their studies.
What TVET College Students Qualify for Distance Learning Allowance
To be categorised as a distance learning student and qualify for the personal care allowance, students must be enrolled in the minimum required subjects – 5 out of 7 for NC(v) or 3 out of 4 for Report 191 – as determined by your TVET College.
General NSFAS Eligibility Criteria
All NSFAS applicants, including distance TVET students, must also meet the regular NSFAS eligibility requirements. These include South African citizenship, pursuing an approved qualification, and demonstrating a household income that falls below the NSFAS threshold (R350,000 for able-bodied students and R600,000 for students with disabilities).
Maintaining NSFAS Funding
Although students only apply for NSFAS once, they will assess the student's eligibility for continued funding throughout their qualification. To maintain this support, students need to meet both academic progress and financial requirements.
