NSFAS News

Department To Take Legal Action Against Students Defrauding NSFAS

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2023

In order to receive funding for their tertiary education, students must meet certain requirements under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. False information provided by students to obtain funding will result in legal action, according to the Department of Higher Education.

Department to Take Legal Action Against Students Defrauding Nsfas

As part of the National Student Financial Scheme (NSFAS), the government provides bursaries to disadvantaged students studying at public universities and technical colleges. A household income threshold of R350 000 is required for students to qualify for NSFAS funding.

According to a recent report, 35 students receiving bursaries from NSFAS misused the funds they were receiving and provided incorrect information.

Ishmael Mnisi Spokesperson Says

Ishmael Mnisi, spokesperson for the Department of Higher Education and Training, says the department is concerned about students who have been found defrauding NSFAS. In its report, NSFAS reported that some students are benefiting fraudulently from the bursary scheme. To make sure all the information provided by applicants is verified, the department is working closely with Home Affairs, SARS, and Sassa.

Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education Science and Innovation, has urged students who have benefited from NSFAS irregularly to declare that they have done so in order to receive some sort of pardon. Those students who don’t declare their false information or misappropriation of funds will be prosecuted by Mnisi if the system finds them.

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