Clarity on allowances published in the Guidelines for the Department of Higher Education and Training Bursary Scheme (DHET Bursary Scheme) for Students at Public Universities

The Guidelines for the DHET Bursary Scheme released on 25 January 2019 have reference (Annexure A).

The Department has noted with concern that there is some confusion about the eligibility criteria for the different student allowance categories, specifically with regards to the living and incidental allowance.

The Table provides clarity on the different categories and implementation parameters of student allowances to first time entrants (FTENS) and senior contact students for the 2019 academic year (Annexure B).

Please ensure that any questions of clarity are addressed to the Department as a matter of urgency. We are still in the process of analyzing the allowances paid in 2018 and, as has been indicated to institutions before, where allowances were paid outside of policy, a discussion will take place with each institution about what remedies must be put in place, including returning funds to NSFAS where payments were made to institutions outside of policy. This must be done without a negative effect on students.

Yours sincerely
Dr D Parker
Deputy Director-General: University Education

Information above was extracted from official communication on 20 February 2019, DHET letter for clarification of allowances (PDF).

The Documents

1. DHET letter for clarification of allowances (PDF)
2. Annexure A: Guidelines for the DHET Bursary Scheme (PDF)
3. Annexure B: Allowances summary 2019 (PDF)

Shared on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training.