How do you resign in a good way?

Resigning from your job on good terms takes preparation, tact and professionalism. Using the correct etiquette when you resign can strengthen your reputation as a trustworthy and considerate professional, helping to position you strongly for your next move. Find out how to do the right thing by your employer with these tips.

Prepare yourself 

Before announcing your intention to resign, make sure your decision is firm and final. Be sure that a new move is right for you at this point in your career and that it really is the best decision to leave.

There’s lots to think about: have you considered how you would feel if you were offered a higher salary or a better package if you stayed? Are you committed to leaving? Have you explored all avenues for advancement within the organisation? Make sure you are absolutely sure of why it is that you’ve decided to resign. Being clear on your reasons for quitting will help you to resign confidently, and help you to avoid being drawn into a counter-offer – if you really don’t want to stay.

Get your new job offer in writing first, check your notice period and rehearse your explanation beforehand. This will help you to present it more comfortably and anticipate any potential questions.

Remember to check your contract for any benefits that you are entitled to, for example your annual leave allowance and any performance-related pay that is owed.

Meet with your manager face-to-face

It is best to resign in person, giving as much notice as possible. Choose a quiet, convenient time to meet with your manager before notifying your colleagues. Briefly explain your reasons in a courteous and professional manner and express your willingness to finish current projects in your remaining time. Make a follow-up appointment to hand over your letter of resignation and discuss transition plans.

During the meeting, stay positive and be as cooperative as possible. The decision may come as a surprise to your manager, who may feel hurt at the decision. Your manager may want to go in to details behind your resignation, but try to avoid getting in to lengthy discussion, instead talking about how the company has benefited you. There isn’t a great deal to be gained by being negative or pointing out all the reasons you’re not happy if you’ve resolved to leave. Be calm and prepared for what may be an awkward conversation.

Also be prepared to leave immediately as your employer may decide not to make you work through your resignation period. Back up any documents or projects that belong to you as your employer may cut off access following the meeting.

Submit a resignation letter 

Submit a short, polite, professional letter after your meeting confirming your intention to leave. Refer to the date and time of your discussion with your manager, the role you are resigning from, and the date of your last day.

You may want to add a sentence re-stating your reasons. If relevant, highlight the things you learned in the role and how much you enjoyed working there. It is important to retain good relations with your manager, as employers will often conduct background checks including references.

End the resignation letter on a positive note – either a thank you for the opportunities you enjoyed or best wishes for the company’s future.

Tie up loose ends 

The impression you leave behind when you resign can strongly influence the kind of reference you receive in the future. Try to resolve as much outstanding work as you can in your notice period, and make sure that your employer knows that you’ve been as cooperative as possible.

Be willing to train a successor, delegate loose ends to relevant colleagues, or write a detailed handover document. Let your contacts and clients know you are leaving and advise them who to contact in your absence. Demonstrate your commitment to the company right up until your departure.

Leave a positive last impression 

It is important not to burn any bridges when you resign and risk undoing your good work. Let your team know you’re leaving; however, make the resignation formal before talking to them. You may want to keep supervisors and colleagues in your network of contacts, or require a reference from your employer later on. Don’t boast about your new position, as this can be cause for resentment with colleagues or your employer.

You may also end up working for or with the same people sometime in the future. Ensure your reputation and relationship with the employer remains positive by leaving with grace and professionalism. Don’t speak negatively about your employer to your colleagues, other people within the industry, or on social media. This information can easily be passed on and could damage relations with your previous employer.

Summary:  

Once you have made the firm decision to move on from your current employment, use tact and professionalism to leave on a strong note. Remember the following: 

•   If possible, always resign in person and talk to your manager 

•   Remain courteous and explain your reasons succinctly, giving as much notice as possible to finish or hand over your projects 

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  •  Your former manager and colleagues could be future referees and still form part of your network, so leave with a positive last impression 

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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