Question NW1218 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training
09 May 2016 - NW1218
Robertson, Mr K to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training
(1)How many students pursuing tertiary education at the Mapulaneng College for Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Acornhoek in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality in Mpumalanga have been receiving National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for (a) 1 year, (b) 2 years, (c) 3 years, (d) 4 years and (e) more than 4 years since starting their studies at the specified college; (2) whether there is a maximum number of years that any student may receive NSFAS funding; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the maximum number of years that students may receive funding from the NSFAS and (b) what conditions are set to ensure that the specified students pass their respective courses and continue to finish their respective studies within institution-specific residential periods; (3) whether students with criminal records qualify for NSFAS funding; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1.The number of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursary beneficiaries for both the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and Report 191 from 2013 to 2015 are as follows:
- 2013 – 478 students;
- 2014 – 802 students; and
- 2015 – 340 students.
2. The NC(V) programme is a three year qualification and in terms of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines, NC(V) students can be awarded bursaries up to a maximum of four years. The fourth year bursary is awarded only in the fourth year of study (after Level 4) to allow students to complete any outstanding subjects. This provision is only applicable to continuous study and on a pro-rata basis.
The Report 191 programme students, i.e. levels N1 – N6, can apply for all semester or trimester courses in the calendar year of study. A bursary at levels N2 – N6 may only be awarded to students if they passed a minimum of 3 subjects on the previous N-level. Students who have passed exit levels, i.e. N3 and N6, but still have one outstanding subject can be awarded a bursary to allow them to complete the outstanding subject. This provision is only applicable to continuous study and on a pro-rata basis, i.e. proportional for one trimester or semester to complete one subject.
(3) Students with criminal records are not prohibited from applying for NSFAS funding. In terms of the Bursary Rules and Guidelines for applications to be considered, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- be South African citizens;
- registered or intending to register on an NC(V) or Report 191 programme;
- in need of financial assistance; and
- have an ability to demonstrate potential for academic success.
COMPILER/CONTACT PERSONS:
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DIRECTOR – GENERAL
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QUESTION 1218 APPROVED/NOT APPROVED/AMENDED
Dr BE NZIMANDE, MP
MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
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