Westfalia Fruit has opened its 2026 Bursary program and is inviting all interested applicants to apply using the details below.
The Westfalia Fruit will provide cover for Agriculture-related fields, specifically the following fields:
University and University of Technology studies:
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Entomology
- Food Science and Technology
- Horticulture
- Industrial Engineering
- Irrigation Engineering
- Logistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Plant Genetics
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Science
- Transport Management
TVET College/ Vocational Education studies:
- Boilermaker
- Electrician
- Farm Management
- Fitter & Turner
- Millwright
- Plumber
- Technical Engineering
Students from local communities (around Tzaneen, Johannesburg and Howick) may also apply for bursary funding, for studies in Teaching, Nursing and Medicine.
ABOUT THE WESTFALIA FRUIT BURSARY PROGRAMME – SELECTION
Bursaries are awarded for 1 year at a time and students are required to reapply for funding each year.
Successful candidates will be contacted by no later than 30 November 2026 – if you do not receive any feedback by this date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WESTFALIA FRUIT BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be currently in Matric OR have completed Matric
- You must be studying OR intend on studying towards a qualification in one of the aforementioned Agriculture-Related fields
- OR
- You must be a student from a local community (around Tzaneen, Johannesburg and Howick), studying Teaching, Nursing or Medicine
- You must be studying OR registered to study at a recognised University, University of Technology or TVET College in South Africa
- You must be passionate about agriculture or related fields
- Preference will be given to students from local communities surrounding Westfalia Fruit operations
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE WESTFALIA FRUIT BURSARY
Download and complete the relevant application form:
New applicants: Westfalia Fruit Bursary Application 2026 (NEW) (.pdf)
Renewals (not first time applicants): Westfalia Fruit Bursary Application 2026 (RENEWAL) (.pdf)
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):
New applicants:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric (certified copy) (Matric certificate to be submitted by 8 January 2026 at the latest)
- Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy)
- June 2026 or mid-year academic results, if currently studying (certified copy)
- Final academic results (certified copy)
- Quotation of study fees from Tertiary Institution (on letterhead)
- Proof of your registration at Tertiary Institution (on letterhead)
Renewals (not first time applicants):
- ID document (certified copy)
- Full academic record, including most recent results (certified copy)
- Quotation of study fees from Tertiary Institution (on letterhead)
- Proof of your registration at Tertiary Institution (on letterhead)
Applications must be submitted via email to the Human Resources Department at: bursaries@westfaliafruit.co.za
(Insert the words “Westfalia Fruit Bursary Application” in the email subject line).
CLOSING DATE FOR THE WESTFALIA FRUIT BURSARY
31 August 2026.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Westfalia Fruit directly:
Tel: 011 076 8358 / 087 700 4436
Email: bursaries@westfaliafruit.co.za
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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.
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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.
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📄 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).
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- 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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
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Submit Your Application
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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:
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- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
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- 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
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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.