higher education institutions
27 January 2006
At the start of the new academic year, students and parents will be faced
with the challenge of meeting tuition and other costs of study.
The Government, through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS),
plays an important role in enabling large numbers of academically able but
financially needy students to access higher education annually. In 2006, over
R1.3 billion will be available for loans and bursaries through the NSFAS and
qualifying students can apply to access these funds at the student financial
aid office of the university at which they are registering.
Over and above this, the Minister of Education wishes to acknowledge that
the NSFAS is complemented by approximately another R1.3 billion for student
support through funds made available by various other government departments,
private sector companies, local and international foundations and not least by
universities themselves. In 2005 alone, collectively our public institutions
administered R1 318 738 366 for funding undergraduate and postgraduate
students.
Some Asian countries also offer scholarships to students who wish to pursue
their studies overseas.
The Minister wishes to thank all those who are contributing to the
development of our future skills and leadership base.
Enquiries:
Tommy Makhode
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: (012) 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: makhode.t@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education
27 January 2006
