2026 University of Stellenbosch Application Documents
UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES 2026: YOUR APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Please note:
• Certified copies of the original documents, as specified below, must be provided.
• Electronic copies you provide should be clear and legible (not blurred, cropped or obscured). The preferred format is pdf, jpeg and tiff.
• Stellenbosch University reserves the right to request original and additional supporting documentation should this be deemed necessary at any point.
• Your signed contract, your application documents as well as proof of payment should be uploaded online at Your Application Status link on www.maties.com before the closing date.
• If we do not receive all your documents by the closing date, your application will unfortunately not be considered.
• It remains your responsibility to make sure that the University receives these documents in time. You can monitor your application on www.maties.com to ensure that your application is complete.
ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS WE REQUIRE
Currently in final school year (South African school system): Final grade 11 results
Currently in final school year (international school system): Grade 11 results as well as final-year school subjects with levels
Applicants enrolled in a foreign (international) school system, for example International Baccalaureate (IB) or a USA High School Diploma, must apply using grade 11 (pre-final year) results, but also supply a list of subjects taken in the final year of school (grade 12 /13) with levels for the subjects and predicted results (confirmed by the school). Please note, however, that applicants from the Cambridge school system do not need to provide the predicted results for the final year subjects. They still need to provide the list of subjects and indicate the level they are taking them in their final year.
Completed final school year:
Final school-leaving results:
South African school system: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Statement of symbols.
International school system: Final school results from International Curriculum (Cambridge International, International Baccalaureate, etc.), including School of Tomorrow.
Also note: If you complete your schooling in an international school system, you must meet the requirements set by Higher Education South Africa (HESA) for Matriculation Exemption for that system by the time you come to register. To determine whether you meet/will meet the requirements, please see: http://he-enrol.ac.za and select the relevant country’s information. It is normally only possible to apply for a formal certificate of Matriculation Exemption during your first year of registration so you might not yet have it available when you come to register for the first time. You will, however, be able to register – provided that you do qualify for Matriculation Exemption.
Additional subjects or rewrites: If you have completed additional subjects or rewrote subjects (or are busy rewriting the subjects this year), please include the subjects and grades.
Currently enrolled for first year at a tertiary institution (excluding Stellenbosch University qualifications):
• Final school-leaving results (See “completed final school year”)
• Proof of registration in first year when no academic transcript / record is available yet
Currently enrolled at a tertiary institution (excluding Stellenbosch University qualifications):
• Final school-leaving results (See “completed final school year”)
• Proof of registration
• Full academic record / transcript for each academic year completed, including grades
Tertiary qualifications completed (excluding Stellenbosch University qualifications):
Include with final school-leaving results where applicable
• Relevant certificates PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades
• Diploma(s) PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades
• B degree certificate(s) PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades
• Honours degree certificate(s) PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades
• Master’s degree certificate(s) PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades (where applicable)
• Doctoral degree certificate(s) PLUS full academic record / transcript for each year, including grades (where applicable)
If you have obtained a qualification outside of the South African Higher Education system and your final degree certificate is not available when you apply, please provide us with proof that you have completed the qualification.
NON-ACADEMIC DOCUMENTS WE REQUIRE
• Proof of payment (R100 non-refundable application fee) (South African citizens only)
• Signed contract
• Additional documents (If applicable):
- Student support form (students with disabilities)
- BA (Sport Science) and BSc (Sport Science) non-academic form
- BA (Sport Science) and BSc (Sport Science) medical form
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences non-academic form
- Speech Language and Hearing Therapy visitation form
- Dietetics visitation form
- Portfolio requirements for BA (Visual Arts)
- Selection form for BA Drama and Theatre Studies
Please contact Client Service Centre at 021808 9111 or info@sun.ac.za if you have any question.
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.