FAQS
General FAQs
The NSF's frequently asked questions.
Beneficiaries and facilitators of NSF-funded skills development initiatives FAQs
What can I do if my workplace does not provide me with relevant training?
If you have exhausted all avenues within the project environment about the relevance of training, this can be escalated to NSF by email to info@nsf.org.za. This also applies workplace-based learning programmes, whereby you may have completed the theoretical training and are not getting the required practical training.
For ease of escalating the training/work placement query to the relevant business unit, include on the email: NSF beneficiary: full name of project (subject); and the body of the email should contain the location of the project, a brief description of the training issue and any correspondence/update you may have received from the project facilitator and all your contact information.
Who do I talk to if my tools of trade/PPE are incorrect or not supplied?
It is the responsibility of NSF-appointed providers to supply learners with relevant tools of trade including protective equipment (PPE) which may be required for specific programmes. Any issues with tools of trade/PPE should be reported to the project facilitator and may be escalated to NSF in writing to info@nsf.org.za.
For ease of escalating the tools of trade/PPE issue to the relevant business unit, include on the email: NSF beneficiary: full name of project (subject); and the body of the email should contain the location of the project, a brief description of the issue relating to the tools of trade/PPE and any correspondence/update you may have received from the project facilitator and all your contact information.
How often does NSF conduct site visits for project monitoring?
Quarterly site visits are part of the routine monitoring activities on all funded initiatives. Onsite verification of learning sites, funded learners and learning progress is pre-arranged.
My facilitator’s salary is not paid. Can I contact NSF if I do not get cooperation from the SDP?
If, as a facilitator, have exhausted all avenues within the project environment about delays regarding the payment of your salary, this can be escalated to NSF by email to info@nsf.org.za.
For ease of escalating your salary query to the relevant business unit, include on the email: NSF facilitator: full name of project (subject); and the body of the email should contain the location of the project, a brief description of the salary issue and any correspondence/update you may have received from the management of the provider and all your contact information.
Beneficiaries of NSF bursaries and scholarships
Can I apply for a bursary and scholarship directly with the NSF?
All bursary and scholarship applications and awards are administered by National Skills Fund (NSF) strategic and implementing partners, namely: National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), National Research Foundation (NRF), National Institute for Human and Social Sciences (NIHSS) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) international scholarships.
The NSF Bursaries Unit manages, but does not receive or process bursary application directly from students.
What should I do if my registration/tuition hasn’t been paid despite receiving written confirmation of my approved bursary?
Challenges experienced after receiving approval for a bursary and scholarship should be directed to the relevant institution and can also be reported to the NSF bursaries unit on 012 943 3101 and at NSFBursaries@dhet.gov.za.
NSF funding applicants
Where does the NSF publish its requests for proposals (RFPs) for skills development funding applications?
All open calls for proposals are published in the national/provincial media and uploaded onto the website.
How long does it take for the NSF to contract successful service providers after the closing date of funding applications for specific interventions?
The period following the closure of skills development funding RFPs and the issuing of approval/regret letters to applicants is largely influenced by the volume of proposals. The evaluation of proposals ranges from six to 24 months depending on the volume of responses to the RFP, the complexity of programmatic interventions/innovative proposals and ensuring adherence to the following processes:
- Admin compliance
- Restriction check (may include reputational risk assessment)
- Technical evaluation
- Due diligence report and recommendations
- Recommendations presented to the NSF Funding Recommendation Committee
- Recommendations presented to the NSF Funding Adjudication Committee
- Approval by Executive and Accounting Authorities (including regret letters)
- Drafting contractual agreements for successful applicants