Cornerstone Institute Admission Requirements

By | March 1, 2024
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Cornerstone Institute Admission Requirements

Step 1

What are your dreams and aspirations?

Where do you see yourself in the future?

What are your gifts and skills?

Will the programme of your choice equip you for your future?

How much time do you have available to study?

Step 2

Based on the above, choose your programme of study.

Choose whether you want to study full or part-time, online or on campus.

Full Time Part Time
BA Hons, Psychology (Academic) – minimum 1 year (campus) BA Hons, Psychology (Academic) – minimum 18 months (campus)
BA Hons, Psychology (BPsych Equivalent) – minimum 18 months (campus) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Intermediate Phase – minimum 2 years (online)
BA Hons Community Development – minimum 1 year (campus) Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership and Bachelor of Arts – minimum of 4 years (online or campus)
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Intermediate Phase – minimum 1 year (online) Higher Certificate in Community Counselling – minimum 2 years (campus)
Higher Certificate in Business Studies minimum 2 years (online or campus)
Higher Certificate in Community Counselling – minimum 1 year (campus)
Higher Certificate in Business Studies minimum 1 year (online or campus)

Step 3

Complete the application form and ensure you have all supporting documents.

Click one of the links below to download the appropriate form or submit an online application.

Downloadable Application Forms

TESOL Short Course Application Form

Higher Certificates and Bachelor Degrees 2026 Application Form

Advanced Diplomas and Post Graduate 2026 Application Form

Online Applications

Higher Certificates and Bachelor Degrees

Advanced Diplomas and Post Graduate

Bachelor Of Psychology Honours (BPsych. Equivalent) Application – Campus Only

Cornerstone Institute Application Form – can be emailed, delivered or posted.

BPsych Equivalent Dept Application form – must be delivered or posted. No emails accepted.

BPsych Equivalent Confidential Referee Forms – must be emailed or posted by Referee directly to Head of Dept of Psychology, Geraldine Franciscus geraldinef@cornerstone.ac.za

Admission information, study permit requirements, immigration matters and working while studying in South Africa

The following information is pertinent to students who wish to study full-time at the Cornerstone campus in Cape Town, South Africa.  It is vital to read the section regarding admission information, study permit requirements, immigration matters and working while studying in South Africa, before proceeding to the section Applying to Cornerstone Institute.

Please follow this link for information about medical insurance for international students.

Admission Information

Once you have received a provisional acceptance letter from Cornerstone Institute, 60% of the annual tuition fee must be paid to Cornerstone Institute by the end of September in order for the registrar to issue you with a visa letter to apply for a study permit. (Many of our foreign students struggle to get their visa in time and end up arriving later for the start of lectures.) See below for study permit requirements.

In adherence to South African Government rules and regulations, your final registration is subject to producing a valid study permit that can be applied for at the nearest South African representative, normally in your home country. For this purpose you will use the official visa letter issued by the Registrar. This letter must be presented to a South African diplomatic mission abroad, which has the authority to process applications for study permits. The South African Department of Home Affairs and South African diplomatic offices abroad are responsible for the regulations and procedures. Do not proceed to Cornerstone Institute without the study permit/visa.

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Should you require financial aid, application needs to made by the end of September. The earlier it is submitted the better chance you have of being successful. Financial aid cannot be guaranteed and will not be more than 40% of the annual tuition fee. Cornerstone Institute does not receive a government subsidy for providing tertiary education, so bursaries are very limited.

Should you require accommodation please contact the student services officer Beverley Dankers at beverleyd@cornerstone.ac.za. Cornerstone does not offer student accommodation.

Study Permit Requirements

  • Letter of Admission from Cornerstone Institute.
  • Proof that sufficient funds are available for the proposed stay in South Africa to cover tuition fees, maintenance and incidental costs.
  • Details regarding arranged accommodation, which should be in Cape Town or surrounding areas. (The Embassy requires proof of residence, i.e. a formal letter with a lease agreement from the owner of the residence. Cornerstone cannot supply this.)
  • A police clearance certificate.
  • The expiry date of your study permit is very important. It is your own responsibility to apply for an extension 30 days before it expires.

Repatriation guarantee

  • You should provide a medical certificate as provided for on the study permit application form and particulars of, or arrangements made with regard to, medical insurance/cover in South Africa . You will also need to submit medical and radiological reports, which should be less than six months old and relevant certificates if you are married, widowed, divorced or separated.
  • If the duration of your studies is longer than one year, you will have to lodge a cash deposit or bank guarantee equivalent to the airfare or transportation costs to your country of origin for repatriation purposes. Please keep the receipt issued for the guarantee for a possible extension of your study permit in South Africa . The cash deposit will only be reimbursed once you are back in your home country.

Immigration Matters

  • Formal admission to Cornerstone Institute does not guarantee the issuing of a study permit.
  • Students without valid study permits cannot be registered at Cornerstone Institute.
  • Permit Applications should be made at least 30 days prior to the date of departure.
  • All documents required when you apply for a study permit or visitor’s visa, must be originals or certified copies. (A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document with an original certified stamp that the authorised person [Commissioner of Oaths] has seen the original document. An uncertified photocopy of the original or a photocopy of a certified copy is not sufficient.)

Working while studying in South Africa

  • The holder of a study permit may conduct part-time work as long as the period does not exceed 20 hours per week and may also work full-time during academic vacations.
  • A holder of a study permit may also be granted permission to conduct work in the form of practical training in a field related to his/her studies, on submission of the following documentation:
    • A letter from Cornerstone Institute confirming that practical training is required or advantageous to complete the intended study, and
    • A letter from the prospective employer offering practical training

NBT Remote Writers

If writing the National Benchmark Tests is a requirement for your studies, apply here to write them in your own country.

 

Step 1

  • What are your dreams and aspirations?
  • Where do you see yourself in the future?
  • What are your gifts and skills?
  • Will the programme of your choice equip you for your future?
  • How much time do you have available to study?
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Step 2

  • Based on the above, choose your programme of study.
  • Choose whether you want full or part-time studies, in the day or in the evenings.
Full Time Part Time
BA (Hons) Psychology – minimum 1 year (afternoon/evening classes) BA (Hons) Psychology – minimum 18 months
(afternoon/evening classes)
Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Arts – minimum 3 years
(day classes)		 Postgraduate Certificate In Education Intermediate Phase – minimum 2 year
(e-learning only)
Advanced Diploma in Intermediate Phase Teaching – minimum 1 year (e-learning)
Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Arts – minimum 3 years (day classes)		 Bachelor of Theology – minimum 5 years
(day classes)
Higher Certificate Community Counselling – minimum 1 year (day classes)
Higher Certificate Business Studies – minimum 1 year (e-learning and evening classes		 Bachelor of Arts – minimum 5 years
(day classes or e-learning)
Higher Certificate Community Counselling – minimum 2 years
(day classes)
Higher Certificate Business Studies – minimum 2 year
(evening classes or e-learning only)

Step 3

 

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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:

  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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