No NSFAS means test for matrics receiving social grants

“Matriculants who are currently receiving a social grant and are accepted in institutions of higher learning will no longer go through a means test to qualify for financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).”

The fund announced this at a social development youth camp in Kimberley on Thursday.

“This decision comes after extensive work between NSFAS and government Departments to make sure that there is a smooth process for social grant beneficiaries‚” NSFAS project manager Xolani Gobela.

A statement said that‚ in 2016‚ 188 687 learners who sat for matric examinations receive a social grant — 173 085 a child support grant‚ 14 926 a foster child grant and 676 a disability grant.

It is estimated that about 56 958 of social grant recipients are attending Quintile 4 and 5 schools.