Auckland Park Theological Seminary Admission Requirements

By | March 1, 2024

Auckland Park Theological Seminary Admission Requirements

Vocational certificate courses are self-improvement, in-house programmes to assist those involved in ministry. There are no minimum entrance requirements. As a result, these vocational certificate courses are non-credit-bearing, although non-credit bearing recognition of prior learning (“RPL” for short) applies in South Africa.

How to apply

Study the various vocational certificate courses on offer and choose a course best suited to your needs. Should you require more information to make a decision, however, you could contact the Administration Department, where you would be assisted at making the right choice.

Complete the online application form. Should you not be able to complete an online application form, however, you could contact the Administration Department and request that you be supplied with a hard-copy (paper) application form by mail.

Applicants using the online system will be sent an automated e-mail to confirm their submission. Please note that confirmation of submission is NOT a confirmation of registration. The Administration Department will contact you as soon as your application has been processed.

We appreciate your interest in ATS and are looking forward to receiving your application.

The ATS has successfully assisted international students, hailing from all over Africa and from as far afield as Asia, the USA and Europe, at obtaining their certificates and diplomas, as well as their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Pentecostal Theology.

ATS is dedicated to the highest level of excellence as far as the content of its courses, the expertise of its lecturers and its emphasis on independent and flexible learning are concerned.

Language of instruction

English is the language of instruction for all programmes on offer at ATS and it would be mandatory for international students to submit all their examination papers and/or theses in English.

ATS may, therefore, require evidence of English proficiency from international students.

Entrance requirements for international students

ATS shall screen applicants based on their academic ability and potential, according to their secondary school results (examination results and/or projected grades), a personal statement, academic reference and, if required, admissions test or written work. Please refer to the admission page for further information.

All international students’ applications need to be accompanied by an Assessment Certificate of the South African Qualifications Authority (“SAQA”, for short). The original SAQA Certificate must be submitted to ATS upon registration.

SAQA Assessment Certificate

ATS can assist international students with the SAQA assessment process. Applicants must provide ATS with certified copies of their highest secondary school certificate or degree (a full Student Transcript) and identity document.

See also  Online High School Bursary 2026

The SAQA fee needs to be deposited into ATS’s bank account and proof of payment must be forwarded to Administration. The said fee is used to fund the processing of applications and is non-refundable. ATS will start processing an application upon receipt of this fee.

Please note that the application fee does not form part of the tuition and seminary fees payable, should an applicant be accepted to further his/her studies at ATS.

SAQA fees

Assessment completed within 10 working days = ZAR 880
Assessment completed within 20 working days = ZAR 660
Assessment completed within 30 working days = ZAR 440

Postage
South Africa = R45
SADC countries = R95
Other countries = R115

Mode of study

  1. Vocational certificate and higher-certificate programmes
    These programmes have been devised for distance education only.

African learning experience

ATS offers international students who study by means of the intramural programme a golden opportunity to immerse themselves in various cultures.

ATS is involved in different community-development projects throughout Southern Africa. A student that enrols for the African learning experience will attend the scheduled intramural classes and will, during long weekends and holidays, participate as a volunteer worker in ATS’s numerous community-development initiatives.

The African learning experience affords international students an opportunity at grass-roots level to become involved in social development, thereby to contribute to the general well-being of marginalised African communities and, ultimately, to gain first-hand experience of African cultures.

ATS is responsible for organising and managing the African learning experience programme. Students are responsible for their own accommodation, travel and food costs associated with the African learning experience. Limited student accommodation is available to international students. Students can contact Administration for more information.

Accommodation for international students

Due to its association with the owners of various privately owned student accommodations, ATS can assist international students at securing accommodation.

The accommodation is situated within a 5 km radius around ATS and transport to and from the ATS is available. For more information, please contact ATS. Availability is limited, however, so please inquire well in advance.

Student visa

ATS will provide approved students with an official letter of introduction that must accompany their application for a student visa. Applications for students’ visas are made at the South African embassy in students’ country of origin.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


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.

See also  UNISA Short Course in Basic Business Finance

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.