FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS FOR 2017
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) supports efforts to ensure that no academically-deserving, financially needy students are prevented from accessing higher education.
With increased financial pressures in a deteriorating economic climate, the ability to finance tertiary studies has become increasingly difficult for many students.
In its bid to widen access and ensure no financial exclusion of academically deserving students, the University offers a range of methods to assist full-time students in funding their studies.
This assistance, which is based on financial need as well as academic and sporting achievements, comes in the form of bursaries, merit awards, scholarships and study loans.
The merit awards, which are not automatically granted to all applicants, are dependent on students’ final matric results and will not necessarily cover full tuition and/or residence costs.
NSFAS Funding
The University also provides financial assistance in collaboration with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for financially needy students.
Students were given an opportunity to apply for NSFAS funding until 30 November 2016, with the financial aid scheme announcing its dates for walk-in applications for next year.
Students who missed the November deadline and those who will be making late applications to universities have an opportunity to apply for NSFAS funding between 9 and 20 January 2017. This can be done both manually and online, with application forms to be made available from 9 January 2017.
For further details, please follow this link: http://finaid.nmmu.ac.za/
Missing Middle
Students who are deemed too rich to qualify for NSFAS financial aid, but battle to afford tuition and res fees have been termed the “missing middle”. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has this year defined “missing middle” students as those whose combined family income is below R600 000.
With fees for 2017 increased by 8% on this year’s, missing middle students qualify for financial assistance through government’s Fee Adjustment Grant. This grant only covers the difference between the 2017 and current fees and not the full amount.
Qualifying students can apply for the grant by following the link: http://financialaid.nmmu.ac.za.