How do I check a doctor’s license in South Africa?

How to check if someone is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Example, to use a psychological test, you must be registered with the HPCSA on one of the following registers:

  • Psychologists
  • Psychometrists
  • Registered Counsellors

If you have been assessed using psychological tests, you may want to check if the person who assessed you is registered.

It is a criminal offence for an unregistered person to use a psychological test.

INFORMATION YOU NEED

You can check a person’s registration status using any of the following:

  • Their surname
  • Their given names (full names)
  • Their registration number
  • The register on which they are registered

WHERE TO CHECK IT

  • Go to the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s website: www.hpcsa.co.za
  • Click on the area marked “access to the i-register“
  • This will take you to a query dialog that interfaces directly with the database of registered professionals

WHAT TO ENTER

  • Tick the fields you want to enter, and a text entry box appears for you to type in the information.
  • If you are not sure how to spell the surname, select the “Wildcard” option next to the entry box. If you are sure you have the spelling correct, leave it on “exact”.
  • For the full name, you should probably use “wildcard” because people often use different forms of their names in daily life.
  • The register is a drop-down list, and you can only check one register at a time.
  • If you don’t find the person on the psychologists register, check the psychometrists register and then the registered counsellors register.
  • If you have the registration number, that is the quickest way to check the person.

As you enter the fields, the search narrows down and the list of people who meet those criteria appear in the window at the bottom.

When you see a person in the bottom window who might be the person who assessed you, click on “view” in the last column.

CHECKING THE DETAILS

  • Sometimes a person appears on the register, but their registration is not active.
  • On the details page, you can see where the person obtained their degree and when, but what you particularly need to look for, is whether the registration is active or not.

If, instead of “active”, the person’s entry on the register says “erased” or “suspended” they are not currently registered and are not allowed to use psychological tests.

IF YOU HAVE CHECKED ALL THREE REGISTERS AND THE PERSON’S NAME DOES NOT COME UP

The next step would be to query it directly with the person who tested you.

You could also phone the HPCSA, or email them.

Without the person’s full names, it is very difficult to verify registration.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a 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:

  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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