Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Categories
UFS News Media Release Research
Years
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Months
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Previous Archive
05 March 2019 | Story André Badenhorst

 

UPDATE: 11 March 2019
General NSFAS information 

Do you come from a poor or working-class family with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum?

The Department of Higher Education and Training has a bursary designed to assist you with funding towards a tertiary qualification of your choice. The bursary is administered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and is available for persons who wish to or are studying at a public institution of higher education and training (university or TVET college).

Who qualifies for NSFAS?

Funding will be available to:

  • Students from families with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 (three hundred and fifty thousand rands) per annum, registering at TVET colleges and universities for the first time.
  • Students returning to TVET colleges and universities to complete or continue their first undergraduate qualification. Only select postgraduate qualifications are funded, please refer to the website for the full list.
  • Students from families with a combined household income of up to R122 000 (one hundred and twenty-two thousand rands) returning to TVET colleges and universities after a gap year or two to complete their first undergraduate qualification.
  • Students from families who are recipients of child-support grants or disability grants administered through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding.
  • Orphans will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding, provided that there is confirmation of their status.


    NSFAS funding for postgraduate qualifications

    NSFAS only accepts funding applications for the following postgraduate qualifications:

    BTECH: ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

    BTECH: ARCHITECTURE (PROFESSIONAL)

    BTECH: BIOKINETICS

    BTECH: BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

    BTECH: BIOTECHNOLOGY

    BTECH: CARTOGRAPHY

    BTECH: CHIROPRACTIC

    BTECH: CLINICAL TECHNOLOGY

    BTECH: DENTAL TECHNOLOGY

    BTECH: EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: CHEMICAL

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: CIVIL

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: ELECTRICAL

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: INDUSTRIAL

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: MECHANICAL

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: MECHANICAL: MECHATRONICS

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: METALLURGY

    BTECH: ENGINEERING: REFRACTORIES

    BTECH: FORESTRY

    BTECH: HOMOEOPATHY

    BTECH: NURSING

    BTECH: NURSING SCIENCE

    BTECH: NURSING: COMMUNITY NURSING

    BTECH: NURSING: PRIMARY HEALTHCARE

    BTECH: NURSING: OCCUPATIONAL NURSING

    PGCE

    LLB

    MB CHB

    PGDA

What the bursary covers

NSFAS funding covers the actual cost of tuition plus prescribed learning materials – this means the tuition fee for the specific programme that the student is registered for; these fees differ, depending on the field of study (e.g. engineering; medicine; art; history, etc.) and the institution that the student is admitted to; AND dependent on eligibility, subsidised accommodation and living costs, including meals. The bursary funding is for the duration of study and does not require any repayment.

Upon qualifying for the NSFAS bursary, a beneficiary is required to sign a NSFAS Bursary Agreement with terms and conditions. Beneficiaries will then be expected to:

  • Comply with all academic requirements as set by institutions;
  • Attend and participate in lectures, tutorials, and academic support programmes as required by the institution;
  • Complete all set assignments and/or tasks as required in terms of the due performance requirements of the institution;
  • Undergo all tests and examinations (written and oral) as required in terms of the due performance requirements of the institution.


Statement: 6 February 2019
NSFAS completes review of rejected applications and prepares for appeals

The online application process for 2019 NSFAS private accommodation allowances is open.

More information on how to apply for NSFAS Private Accommodation

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has completed all assessments of the 2019 applications of first time entering students. Of the 417 000 applications received, more than 300 000 students have been declared approved, pending registration at public institutions for NSFAS funded qualifications.

Read the full statement

Also see the following documents:

1.    NSFAS Bursary Information 2019: Admitted to Higher Education prior to 2018
2.    NSFAS Bursary Information 2019: FTEN and 2018 FTEN Renewals
3.    Annexure A: NSFAS Allowance 2019
4.    Annexure B: NSFAS Appeal Form (Application Review)
5.    Annexure C: NSFAS Appeal Form

Statement: 5 February 2019
Application form for NSFAS appeals

With reference to our previous communication (4 February 2019; "Students who had a gap year in NSFAS funding or failed to register previously and could not reapply for funding, must also follow the appeal process"). It is herewith confirmed the application form for NSFAS appeals from returning students who had NSFAS funding in 2018, but who did not meet the funding requirements for 2019, was received on Monday 4 February 2019 and is available on the UFS web. Students must please make sure that they appeal for funding on the correct application form.

These appeal-application forms as well as all relevant documentation must be handed in at the Financial Aid offices, George du Toit Administration Building, Room S011 on the Ground Floor.
 
The closing date for submission to Financial Aid is 8 March 2019.
 
Returning students in this category who appeal for 2019 funding may register provisionally and refer to the provisional-registration requirements and processes.


Statement: 4 February 2019
More information about NSFAS allowances

New first time entering students and 2018 first time entering renewals
Admitted to Higher Education prior to 2018


NSFAS appeals for rejected 2019 funding applications
The appeal process for first-time NSFAS applicants who do not qualify for 2019 NSFAS funding, may submit an appeal to have their applications reviewed. The appeal form is available on the NSFAS website. NSFAS will reconsider an unsuccessful funding decision based on the changed material circumstances of a senior student who applied for NSFAS for the first time. NSFAS intends to resolve these appeals within seven working days of receipt, unless there is insufficient information. The closing date for the appeal process of students who applied for 2019 funding prior to the closing date of 2 December 2018, is 8 March 2019.
 
The appeal process (media release) has been communicated through social media, Blackboard, emails, NewsFlash, the media, the UFS website, and the SRC.
 
It was also indicated that Financial Aid would be in a position to assist students with the appeal process from 1 February 2019. Students are therefore requested to visit the Financial Aid offices. Alternatively, students can submit appeals, together with the required documentation, directly to NSFAS at applicationreview@nsfas.org.za
 
The appeal-application form, as well as the media release, also indicates which documents students should bring along when they are appealing.
 
Students who had a gap year in NSFAS funding or failed to register previously and could not reapply for funding, must also follow the appeal process.
 
The appeal process for 2018 NSFAS-funded students (returning students) who no longer meet the criteria for funding in 2019, will be communicated as soon as we receive official communication as well as application forms for completion from NSFAS. This will be a different process with a separate appeal-application form.



Statement: 25 January 2019
NSFAS completes review of rejected applications and prepares for appeals

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has completed all assessments for the 2019 applications of first-time entering students. Of the 417 000 applications received, more than 300 000 students have been approved, pending registration for NSFAS-funded qualifications at public institutions.
 
According to André Badenhorst, Deputy Director: Financial Aid at the University of the Free State, this process is only for students/applicants who applied for 2019 NSFAS funding prior to 2 December 2018. The appeal process for continuing/returning students who had NSFAS funding in 2018, will be communicated as soon as we receive official communication from NSFAS in this regard. It would be a different process with a separate appeal application form.
 
“Financial Aid offices will be in a position to assist students with the appeal process as from Friday 1 February 2019,” he said.
 
The closing date of the appeal process for students who applied for funding in 2019 prior to the closing date of 2 December 2018, is 8 March 2019.

Read the full statement



News Archive

Top-class musicians appointed in UFS Odeion String Quartet
2008-11-02

 

From the left are: Denise Sutton, first violinist and leader of the string quartet, Sharon de Kock, second violinist, Jeanne-Louise Moolman, violist, and Anmari van der Westhuizen, cellist. 
 Photo: Dries Myburgh
 The University of the Free State (UFS) has recently appointed four acclaimed, top class musicians in its Odeion String Quartet. The quartet, which was established in 1991, is the only resident quartet at a South African university.

The new members who have been appointed are: Denise Sutton, first violinist and leader of the string quartet, Sharon de Kock, second violinist, Jeanne-Louise Moolman, violist, and Anmari van der Westhuizen, cellist. Anmari is the latest addition to the quartet.

Denise Sutton is well-known, inter alia, as longtime concert master of the PACT orchestra, as leader of the Rosemunde Quartet, for her involvement with the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa (COSA), and as a inspiring teacher at the University of Pretoria.

Jeanne-Louise Moolman has about twenty years experience as principal violist of professional orchestras in Gauteng and was leader of the violas in the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and COSA. She was also a founder member of the Rosemunde Quartet.

Sharon de Kock, formerly from Cape Town, studied at the University of Cincinnati, played in symphony orchestras in Peru, Costa Rica and the USA, and was a violin teacher in Mexico and Costa Rica until her return to South Africa in 2007.

Anmari van der Westhuizen, formerly from Stellenbosch, is one of the most sought-after cellists in South Africa, has been the conductor and director of the UCT String Ensemble since 1999, and spent eight years as soloist and chamber musician in Europe from 1988-1996.

The new quartet will be launched at a concert on 6 November 2008 in the Odeion on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

The new appointments follow after three former members of the quartet – Jürgen Schwietering, John Wille and Abrie de Wet – retired or left Bloemfontein at more or less the same time. Michael Haller, longtime cellist of the quartet, will also be retiring at the end of 2008. These developments mean that the Odeion String Quartet is literary brand new.

The new appointment creates exciting new opportunities for learners and students to be taught by excellent lecturers at the music department of the UFS. The new players also strengthen the Free State Symphony Orchestra significantly, since they will fill the four principal positions in the strings.

“The Odeion String Quartet is a flagship of the UFS and it symbolises our commitment to the arts. It also plays an important strategic role in the development of symphony orchestra music and classical music training in the Free State. It is an essential part of UFS regional collaboration with e.g. the Free State Symphony Orchestra, the Mangaung Strings Programme, the Free State Musicon, the Free State provincial Department of Arts and Culture and Pacofs.This is why a real attempt was made to obtain top class musicians, to attract the best in the country. We are pleased that such a strong group could be appointed,” said Prof. Frederick Fourie, chairperson of the String Quartet’s management committee and outgoing Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Most string quartets abroad are affiliated with a higher education institution, which enables a higher level of playing as there is more time for preparation and to study the repertoire. “We appreciate the university’s confidence in us and for the opportunity to explore the intricacies of ensemble playing. We hope that we can produce inspiring performances for our audiences and students,” said Denis Sutton, new leader of the string quartet.

Abridged CVs

Denise Sutton studied at the University of Stellenbosch (US) and obtained the degree B.Mus. with distinction. After this, she studied in Amsterdam with Theo Olof and Nap de Klijn, as well as in London. She was leader and second violinist in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and did a successful audition for the English Chamber Orchestra. In South Africa she had a long career as concert master and leader of symphony orchestras. From 1980 she was concert master of the TRUK Orchestra for almost twenty years and from 2000 until 2005 she was member of the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa (COSA). She was also a founding member and leader of the Rosamunde String Quartet, one of the leading string quartets in the country. Denise had a very successful part-time teaching practice at the University of Pretoria (UP) and at a number of schools. She was also involved in postgraduate training. Her students include various competition winners and a number of them are playing professionally.

Jeanne-Louise Moolman studied at the UP under Prof. Alan Solomon where she obtained the B.Mus and B.Mus.Hons. degrees with distinction. She won among others the ATKV Forté and the Oude Meesters competitions and in 1985 she was the first winner of the prestigious 75th Commemorative Prize of the University of Natal. She has about twenty years experience as principal violist of various professional orchestras in Gauteng. Until her appointment at the UFS she was leader of the viola section in the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra and COSA. She is an experienced chamber musician who regularly performs in various combinations with some of South Africa’s leading musicians. This includes Gerard Korsten, Phillipe Graffin, Jürgen Schwietering, the pianists Lamar Crowson and Albie van Schalkwyk, as well as clarinet player Robert Pickup. Jeanne-Louise was also a founding member of the Rosamunde String Quartet. She lectured on a part time basis at the UP and the Pro Arte Music School.

Sharon de Kock obtained the degrees B.A. Mus. and M.Mus. at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) of the University of Cincinnati in the United States of America (USA) in 2002 and 2004 respectively. Some of her teachers include the well-known concert violinist Chee-Yun Kim, Prof. Kurt Sassmannshaus and Piotr Milewski, all alumni of Julliard. From 2004 to 2006 she was violinist lecturer at two universities and a music conservatorium in Puebla, Mexico. She was also violin lecturer at a music school in Costa Rica and was associated with the Hugo Lambrechts Centre in Cape Town since 2007. Her orchestra participation includes among others the Opera Orchestra in Trujillo, Peru, the Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica in Costa Rica, as well as the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. She also participated in the Luca Music Festival in Italy, the Grandin Music Festival in Portugal, the Pacific Music Festival in Japan and the Aspen Music Festival in the USA. Sharon performed regularly abroad as soloist and received various awards. This includes among others the CCM chamber music competition 2003 and the Baur Orchestral Competition and Heermann competition winner for violin at the CCM in 1995. In 1990 she won the first prize in the Sanlam competition.

Anmari van der Westhuizen was the winner at several national competitions such as the Forté and Oude Meester Competitions and in 1985 was the first winner of the prestigious University of Natal 75th Anniversary Prize. She is today one of the most sought-after cellists in South Africa. Anmari, a cum laude graduate of the Stellenbosch University, was awarded the Grosses Konzertdiplom with distinction at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Konzertexamendiplom at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, working under Heidi Litschauer and Maria Kliegel respectively. During her stay Europe from 1988 to 1996 she appeared as soloist and chamber musician in such groups as the Koehne String Quartet in Vienna, also appearing at international festivals in Austria, Italy and Spain. Anmari has made several CD recordings. Since 1999 she has been the conductor and director of the UCT String Ensemble. A founder member of the UCT Trio, the Collage Ensemble and I Grandi Violoncellisti, Anmari still performs regularly throughout South Africa, and is invited by the Austrian Composers Union as solo cellist.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
29 October 2008
 

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept