University of Limpopo Medical school Bursaries or Scholarship

University of Limpopo Medical school Bursaries or Scholarship

Tertiary education in South Africa is not free, therefore financial assistance, if you are able to obtain it, may be in a form of a financial aid package, bursary, scholarship, contract bursary, NSFAS, Eduloan or a bank loan

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE(FAO) POLICY

Our Financial Aid Policy is to increase access for students in the health sciences through the following:

  • Efficient administration of all bursary/loan monies
  • Supporting and participating in all fundraising efforts to improve/increase limited resources
  • To be sensitive, empathetic and understanding with respect to the disadvantaged background of our students, our institution and the national student financial crisis
  • To seek constant input from all substantive structures regarding the acquisition, allocation and recovery/recycling of funds in order to assist the subsequent generations of students

THE AVENUES OPEN TO YOU
Scholarships, bursaries and loans

You can:

  • Apply for a scholarship if you achieve high marks and excellent academic record
  • Apply for a bursary
  • Apply for a contract bursary from your Province
  • Apply for a NSFAS loan (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
  • Apply for an Eduloan

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial assistance is awarded to a student according to the level of his/her need, taking into account the financial circumstances of the family and the academic performance of the student.

Applying for financial assistance
Should you be selected to study at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), application forms for financial assistance will be available on the day of registration. Bursaries/loans are only available to registered students of the University.

The following are some of the important documents that will be required when completing the application for financial assistance:

  • Proof of parents’/guardian’s income, (i.e. certified salary or pension slip)
  • A certified affidavit from you parents and a letter from your social worker for proof of unemployment
  • Certified identification documents of you and your parents
  • Certified divorce certificate or letter from a social worker for single parents
  • Certified death certificates where applicable

SPONSORSHIPS
The following different sponsorships are available either through the University or direct application:

National Provincial Bursaries:students must apply directly to the specific province and the closing date for applications is 30 September of the year prior to registration.(Confirm the closing date with the Province) Students enter into a contract with the relevant province.

A limited number of University administered bursaries are available from the University. These funds are donated to the University and are awarded according to set criteria (academic performance and financial need)

  • Addresses for some private companies and non-governmental organizations are available in the Financial Aid Office
  • NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) distributes funds through tertiary institutions and it is allocated to students as loans. Part of the loan (40%) will be converted to a bursary provided a student passes all courses registered. Further information may be obtained from the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za
  • The University does not offer loans to students but encourages and assists students when applying for a bank loan or a loan from Eduloan.Further information may be obtained from the Eduloan website www.eduloan.co.za
  • Merit bursaries are awarded to new entering first year full-time students who:

Obtained an average of 70% or higher during the grade 12 final examination, shall receive full tuition fees
The average is calculated by adding the percentages of (six best) of the final exam results and divide by (six)

  • Merit bursaries are also awarded undergraduate senior students who:

Achieved an overall pass of 70-75% from the previous year/level of study on the first attempt, provided that the full curriculum was taken and passed. The student shall qualify to receive full upfront registration fees

Achieved an overall pass of 76-100% from the previous year/level of study on the first attempt, provided that the full curriculum was taken and passed. The student shall qualify to receive full tuition fees

These bursaries do not apply to students who are in receipt of any other scholarship or bursary which covers the full amount that the student qualified for. If a student qualified for the full tuition fees and receives a bursary that does not cover the full cost of study, the tuition fee shall be limited to the difference between the full tuition payable and the bursary received by the student
These bursaries are not renewed automatically, but students have to apply annually

WHERE TO FIND
THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

Location:
Room S518, Fifth Floor
Clinical Pathology Building
Postal address:
Financial Aid Office
University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
P O Box 69
Medunsa
0204

Telephone numbers:
(012) 5214622 – Head & Postgraduate Studies
(012) 5215961 – Secretary
(012) 5214486 – Private sponsors and
University administered bursaries
(012) 5214031 – National Provinces (incl. SADEC countries)
(012) 5214191 – National Provinces
(012) 5214678 – NSFAS

Fax number:
(012) 5214008
Student hours:
10:15 – 11:15
13:00 – 14:00 (weekdays only)

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

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.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  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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