NSFAS How to Apply for Students With Disabilities & Requirement Find out How NSFAS Funding Works For Students With Disabilities ,NSFAS How to Apply for Students With Disabilities & Requirement .
Who is eligible for NSFAS Disability Funding?
To qualify for NSFAS funding as a student with a disability, you must meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Disability Registration: You must be registered with a recognized disability organization or have a medical certificate from a registered healthcare professional confirming your disability.
- Financial Need: Your combined household income must not exceed R600,000 per annum (compared to the standard R350,000 for non-disabled applicants).
- Public Institution Enrollment: You must be enrolled or planning to enroll for a full-time qualification at a public university or TVET college in South Africa.
- SASSA Recipient Advantage: If you are a SASSA grant recipient, your financial eligibility is automatically approved.
What documents do I need to apply for NSFAS Disability Funding?
In addition to the standard NSFAS application documents, students with disabilities need to submit the following:
- Completed NSFAS Disability Annexure A: This form details your disability and the support you require during your studies. It must be completed by a registered healthcare professional familiar with your disability. You can download the latest version of Annexure A from the NSFAS website.
- Proof of Disability: This could be a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner, psychologist, or other relevant healthcare professional confirming your disability.
How do I apply for NSFAS Disability Funding?
The NSFAS application process opens between August and October each year. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Create a myNSFAS Account: Visit the NSFAS website and register for a myNSFAS account.
- Apply During the Application Period: Once the application window opens, log in to your myNSFAS account and select “Apply.” Choose the appropriate application cycle.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form carefully and accurately. Ensure all information, particularly regarding your disability, is complete.
- Upload Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents, including the completed Disability Annexure A, proof of disability, proof of citizenship/residency, and household income documents. Double-check that the documents are in the correct format and meet the file size limit.
- Review and Submit: Thoroughly review your application before submitting it electronically. Remember, late submissions are not accepted.
How NSFAS Funding Works For Disabled Students
NSFAS provides funding to students living with disabilities. It’s important to note that there are several differences in the way that NSFAS funds students living with disabilities.
Unlike able-bodied students who may not have a household income exceeding R350,000 to qualify for a NSFAS bursary, students with disabilities may have a household income of up to R600,000 per annum.
Students living with disabilities are required to download and fill out a NSFAS Disability Annexure A form when applying for funding.
If they require human assistance, they must submit a disability human support claim
NSFAS Allowances For Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities qualify for living allowances including meals at R20,000 per academic year. They qualify for a learning materials allowance of R6,000 per academic year for university students only.
Assistive Devices
Assistive Devices are external devices that are designed, made, or adapted to assist a person to perform a particular task. Many people with disabilities depend on assistive devices to enable them to carry out daily activities and participate actively and productively in community life.
NSFAS provides an assistive devices allowance limited to R50,000 as a once-off allowance. These students also qualify for repairs and maintenance of assistive devices to the value of R2,000 per academic year.
Students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for the allowance for assistive devices, or the repairs and maintenance thereof. The allowances are only granted if the student application for these allowances is approved, and all conditions and criteria are met as set out in this policy standard.
NSFAS says if students are successful in their application for financial aid and you have received notice of the final approval amount from NSFAS, they may arrange to purchase their assistive device through the student disability unit at your university or TVET college.
The university or TVET college can purchase the assistive device on your behalf.
