2026 University of the Witwatersrand Application Date
Humanities
School of Human and Community Development Intake Closing Date Programme of study January 2026 Open 2 March
Close 31 May Master of Arts in Community Based Counseling Psychology Open 2 March
Close 2 May Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Opens 2 March
Closes 24 July Master of Education in Educational Psychology Opens 15 July
Masters in Research Psychology and Masters of Arts by Coursework and Research Report Psychology Opens 15 July
Master of Arts in Psychology by coursework and research report Opens 15 July
Master of Arts in the field of Social and Psychology Research Opens 15 July
BA Honours in Organisational Psychology Opens 15 July
BA Honours in Psychology Opens 15 July
Master of Arts by Coursework and Research Report in Organisational Psychology Opens 4 May
Master of Arts in Occupational Social Work Opens 4 May
Master of Arts in Social Development Opens 4 May
Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology School of Literature, Language and Media
Intake Closing Date Programme of study January 2026 Honours in Journalism
15 November
Career entry: International and SA applicants
Mid-career: International and SA applicants Honours in Sign Language 15 November
International applicants
SA applicants Masters in Journalism 15 November
15 November International applicants
SA applicants Media Studies 15 November International and SA applicants Honours and Masters and PhD in Modern Languages 15 November International applicants
SA applicants Honours and Masters in Creative Writing 15 November International and SA applicants All other disciplines (Honours and Masters Programmes) including ICT Policy and Regulation 15 November International applicants , SA applicants School of Social Sciences Intake Closing Date Programme of study January 2026
06 September
06 September
Honours and Masters Programmes Labour, Policy and Globalisation (GLU)
International applicants
SA applicants
31 October
African Centre for Migration and Society, Honours and Masters in Demography and Population Studies
31 October
30 November Applied Ethics for Professionals, History
International applicants
SA applicants
31 October
History
31 October Diversity Studies – Honours and Master’s 31 October Political Studies, Development Studies – BA Honours and Master of Arts 30 November Anthropology
31 October
All other disciplines
International applicants
SA applicants Wits School of Arts Intake Closing Date Programme of study January 2026
31 October
30 November All disciplines (Honours and Masters Programmes)
(no mid year intake for coursework degrees)
International applicants
SA applicants Wits School of Education Intake Closing Date Programme of study January 2026
31 August
31 October
B Ed Honours, PGCE, Master of Education, PG Diploma in Higher Education
International applicants
SA applicants
Please consult the Student Call Centre: 011 717 1888 or contact the appropriate Faculty for possible amendments to these dates.
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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:
- 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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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.