At the beginning of every academic year, students, especially those from low-income and working-class homes, are faced with funding issues. The year of 2022 was not without its share of these crises. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has an N+ rule that refers to the minimum number of years allowed per student to complete their studies; once a student exceeds the stipulated number of years without completing their course, they are cut off from funding.
A lot of students are affected by this rule each academic year, and it leaves them with no funding for their studies. With the second semester starting, and the University of Pretoria calling for the return of students from all programs to campus for full-time, contact classes, these students without funding find themselves stranded.
In conversation with the SRC, PDBY was able to establish the following:
Does the SRC have a plan to assist NSFAS N+ Students with accommodation for 2nd semester?
The SRC is currently looking into the matter – we have raised this as an issue in February with the university, anticipating the implications of NSFAS not funding affected students. We are also looking into increasing the capacity of TuksRes, by revisiting the single occupancy rule; however, this is an ongoing engagement.
Is the SRC engaging with the university to assist these students?
As mentioned, we had met in February with the university Management to raise this matter. When we had successfully advocated for all students to be able to register with less than R10 000 debt, by removing the registration fee, the SRC had anticipated that students who are not funded by NSFAS due to the N+ rule may face difficulties. The university stated that they will be looking to access the university’s UNIPTA Fund. We intend on following up on this matter. Furthermore, we have engaged with NSFAS, where it was clarified that any student, even if the student is outside N+1, with less than 60 credits is able to appeal by submitting a Letter of Propensity. We have also raised the matter to NSFAS’ attention, stating the harmful effects of introducing the N+1 rule. We have also met with NSFAS to work on fast-tracking appeals, so that students are aware of their NSFAS status. Finally, the President and Secretary have raised this matter in the South African Union of Students, where the NEC could then work on the matter.
Seeing that most students’ appeals were unsuccessful, will the SRC be advocating for re-appeals?
The SRC had initially engaged with NSFAS to ensure Appeals are done timeously. We are looking into alternative possibilities. However, the appeals procedure is a national process, defined by NSFAS’ own policy and guidelines.
Are students who are applying for the UP loan and bursary getting positive outcomes?
Some students are getting positive outcomes. However, many students are not receiving these outcomes. UP Financial Aid effectively works in a manner where it receives donations from external donors and allocates the funds to students. Hence, even if a student is yet to receive feedback, we recommend they follow up with the Financial Aid Office, and still encourage students to continue to apply.
Is the SRC in talks with TuksRes or private student accommodations about housing students who do not have funding?
We have reached out to the mentioned accommodations – this is an ongoing process.
Are there other alternative funding initiatives that the SRC is putting in place to help the students?
The SRC is focussing on fundraising initiatives in the second semester and will release further communication in due course.
Image: Masehle Mailula
History, Archaeology and Setswana student at the University of Pretoria. An avid reader and lover of news writing and broadcasting. I have a passion for African indigenous languages and history. A prospective world-class journalist and scholar