The NSFAS financial assistance programme: Implementation and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
A large number of previously disadvantaged students depend on financial assistance from the government, to cover education-related expenses, for the duration of their studies. Financial assistance for students, at higher learning institutions comes in the form of loans, sponsorships, or bursaries. The ultimate aim of these resources is to address the financial burden so that a strong focus on academic performance goes unhindered. This research aims to investigate the financial assistance programme, particularly its implementation, and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university. The study basically sought to solicit the perception of students about the impact and value National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) assistance adds to their (students) experience at a previously disadvantaged university.
A qualitative approach was used to solicit information on students’ perspectives, regarding the phenomenon of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students for the collection of data. The results of the interviews revealed that the change in the NSFAS system had an impact on student’s life, academically and financially. Findings that came out of the research obtained that the (a) NSFAS system change from decentralised to centralised was to have a direct approach from donor to recipient, but other challenges arose from this process (b) the NSFAS grant and the scheme requirements differed, as these were tightened to rather unintentionally frustrate the students, making the NSFAS aspirations, undesirable (c) NSFAS being placed under administration to ensure the effective management of the scheme, added to numerous challenges (d) as such, students expressed their dissatisfaction with the ill-considered management of the funding scheme as the outcome of it was hardly realised. It would be best to closely examine NSFAS programmes and their impact
Description
Keywords
Challenges, Funding Models, Funding Systems, Government, National Student Financial Aid Scheme