2026 SAFCOL Bursary Opened

By | October 20, 2024

The South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) has opened its 2026 Bursary programme and they are inviting all interested applicants to apply ASAP. To apply for this opportunity, kindly follow the details below:

The company is mandated to conduct forestry business, domestically and internationally, including timber harvesting, timber processing and related activities.

CLOSING DATE: 22 October 2026.

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants are expected to be from the following fields of study:

  • Agro-Forestry
  • Civil Engineering
  • Eco/ Agro-Tourism
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Forestry
  • Genetics
  • Health and Safety Management
  • Horticulture
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant Production
  • Wood Science/ Wood Technology

Management and support qualifications:

  • Business Management
  • Communications
  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Settlement Development
  • Internal Audit and ICT
  • Legal
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Project Management
  • Risk Management

AND ALSO:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must have completed Matric
  • You must be studying or intend on studying full-time in 2026, towards a qualification in one of the fields listed above (undergraduate or postgraduate)
  • You must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited Institution of Higher Learning in South Africa
  • Preference will be given to: previously disadvantaged students, female students, students with disabilities, youth residing in communities alongside SAFCOL plantations and communities SAFCOL have signed Social
    compacts with

BURSARY COVERAGE

The bursary will cover the following costs: registration fees, tuition fees, required textbooks, study materials, housing, food, and a semester stipend.

After graduation, students will be obligated to work for SAFCOL for the same amount of time as the bursary they received.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be notified; if you do not hear back within 30 days after the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Download and complete the below forms:

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate (certified copy)
  • Full academic record, including most recent results/ transcripts, if currently studying (on institutions letterhead) (certified copy)
  • Proof of registration/ provisional acceptance at a tertiary institute (on institutions letterhead)
  • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve to be awarded the bursary
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Applications must be submitted via email to: bursary@safcol.co.za
(Insert the words “SAFCOL Bursary Application 2026” in the email subject line)

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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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).
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📚 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.