OKRS vs Smart Goals

What are SMART goals?

“SMART” is an acronym or mnemonic – with each letter representing a characteristic of Doran’s approach. He believed goals should be:

  1. Specific
    Contain well-defined central objectives
  2. Measurable
    Have a quantifiable element to serve as an indicator of success
  3. Assignable (now referred to as “attainable”)
    Have a designated person for the task or goal
  4. Realistic (commonly referred to as “relevant”)
    Must work within the frame of an individual or group’scapabilities with consideration to time, resources and priorities
  5. Time-related
    Have an established deadline for each goal

What is the difference between OKRs and SMART goals?

There are 3 distinct differences that set these goal setting approaches apart.

  1. Depending on how a team or an individual chooses to define SMART goals, they can present fundamental differences from OKRs. SMART goals often have different interpretations depending on the individual or team using the approach. For example, “measurement” can be replaced by “motivation” or as noted previously, “assignable” for “attainable” or “realistic” as a substitution for “relevant.” And while OKRs are quite malleable and can be used for different types of environments and settings, the acronym will always mean “objectives and key results.” The quantifiable element of OKRs is the core aspect of the framework. With measurement as an aspect of SMART, on a surface-level, the concepts appear quite similar. However, if the “M” for example, were to be replaced with “mission” or “motivation,” the two approaches begin to contrast fundamentally given OKRs focus on measurement.
  2. SMART goals solely craft the objective. OKRs connect key results to objectives for a more strategic appropriation of resources and time with key results at the forefront. SMART goals, however, are a list of principles to guide crafting an objective alone – with no particular focus on key results or tactics. SMART goals provoke the question “what is the goal?” Yet OKRs ask “what is the goal and how do we get there? Objectives and key results should connect like puzzle pieces, with the intent being that if the objective were to be reached, the key results must also be achieved. Therefore, there is an added layer of accountability for reaching the objective.
  3. SMART goals are not a framework, they are a guideline. Similar to frameworks, SMART goals offer a structure by defining criteria which is used to inform the process of defining goals. However, while many may herald SMART goals as a framework – they are simply an approach or guiding set of principles for setting and building your goals.

How can I ensure my OKRs are SMART?

To ensure your OKRs are SMART ones, ask yourself the following questions:

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  1. Is my objective Specific? It’s okay to think big but narrowing down on a central area improves the focus on your goals.
  2. Are my key results Measurable? How will I quantify success?

“The establishment of objectives and the development of their respective action plans are the most critical steps in a company’s management process.” George T. Doran

 

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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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