JSE FSR

FirstRand Limited, also referred to as FirstRand Group is the holding company of FirstRand Bank, and is a financial services provider in South Africa. It is one of the financial services providers licensed by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, the national banking regulator.

FirstRand Group holds its investments through five main subsidiaries. These subsidiaries and their subsidiaries are therefore are members of the FirstRand Group include, but are not limited to the following:

FirstRand Bank Limited –South Africa

FirstRand Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited (FREMA) – 100% Shareholding – South Africa

FirstRand International Limited (Guernsey) – 100% Shareholding – holding company for UK.

FirstRand Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited (FRIHL) – 100% Shareholding – South Africa 

FirstRand Investment Management Holdings Limited – 100% Shareholding – South Africa

FirstRand Insurance Holdings (Pty) Ltd – 100% Shareholding – South Africa 

FirstRand shares

Can you buy FirstRand shares online?

The website of SA Shares makes it easy for you to buy JSE listed shares online.

FirstRand Shares Growth Driver

  • FirstRand aims to deliver long-term franchise value and superior FirstRand share price growth within acceptable levels of volatility, with this vision driven by two growth strategiesbecoming a leading South African player focusing on existing and under-represented markets, and growing African franchises positioned to benefit from trade and investment flows between Africa, Asia and Europe.
  • FirstRand recorded good performance in the latest financial year, with profits of R 15 billion, a rise of 22%. The group’s main profit contributor, FNB, performed well with a 20% increase in profits, while RMB and WesBank also recorded gains through new business volumes. Overall profit growth was however muted somewhat by the challenging economic environment in key markets. Despite this, FNB grew its presence in existing and new markets on the back of innovative products and delivery channels, particularly from electronic and digital platforms.
  • FirstRand has high levels of surplus capital for investment across the African continent, allowing it to expand its geographic reach and revenue streams, to the benefit of those who buy the shares.

FirstRand Group Investor Tip

  • In response to an increasingly pressured economy in South Africa, FirstRand has announced that it will close some branches and focus on cost efficiencies. After reporting minimal headline earnings per share of 3% in the second half on 2015, investors lost confidence in FirstRand shares. The live online stocks chart shows that FirstRand share price has suffered as a result. Shareholders did however receive a solid 20.9% increase in dividends.
  • Growth is anticipated to be slow in the near to medium term, but FirstRand shares have proven to be resilient and able to recover from slumps. The forecast for FirstRand share price is uncertain, but investment analysts have advised that investors hold their position in the company, with several also hinting that investors buy shares due to FirstRand’s innovative offerings and growth prospects.

FirstRand Major Shareholders

RMB Holdings, Public Investment Corporation, FirstRand Empowerment Trust, Financial Securities (Remgro).

  • SectorFinancials
  • IndustryBanking
  • Sub industryBanks

How to buy FirstRand Group Shares

  • FirstRand : How to buy FirstRand Group Shares OnlineWe have made it simple to buy JSE listed firm shares online. The easiest way to buy FirstRand Group shares or stocks is to; start by submitting the ‘BUY THIS SHARE’ form. Next, one of our experienced and certified stock brokers will personally get in contact with you to discuss your custom stock request. Finally, a stock advisor will confirm the amount of shares you are looking to invest in FirstRand and assist you with the setup and management of your stock portfolio account.
  • Here are the steps you must follow to Buy / Purchase FirstRand Group shares with utmost confidence:
    1. Start by Filling in the BUY THIS SHARE form.
    2. Insert your name, email, telephone number and monthly remuneration.
    3. Then, Indicate the amount you are looking to invest in FirstRand.
    4. Click the “ INVEST NOW” button
    5. Once we have received your info, a dedicated stock advisor will personally call you back to discuss your personal share request.
    6. Lastly, your newly appointed personal stock advisor will handle all account setups and reporting as stipulated by the financial services board of South Africa (FSB)
  • Buy Shares with ConfidenceBuying JSE shares has never been this convenient and easy. #myfirstshare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FirstRand?

A leading South African financial services provider.

Can you buy FirstRand shares online?

The website of SA Shares makes it easy for you to buy JSE listed shares online.

Is FirstRand a good share to buy?

Investors buy shares in FirstRand because of the company’s innovative offerings and growth prospects.

Who are the major shareholders in FirstRand?

RMB Holdings, Public Investment Corporation, FirstRand Empowerment Trust, Financial Securities (Remgro).

When was FirstRand founded?

1998

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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.