The simple answer to “Can a foreigner marry a South African?” is YES, a foreigner can marry a South African in South Africa. There are a few requirements that must be met, but the process is relatively straightforward.
Requirements for a foreigner to marry a South African:
- Have a Letter of No Impediment: The foreign national must obtain a Letter of No Impediment from their home country’s embassy or consulate in South Africa. This document confirms that the foreign national is legally eligible to marry.
- Complete a BI-31 Form: The couple must complete a BI-31 Form, also known as the Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of No Impediment Form. This form provides basic information about the couple and their intentions to marry.
- Apply for a Marriage License: With the Letter of No Impediment and BI-31 Form, the couple can apply for a marriage license at a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regional office. The DHA will review the documents and conduct a premarital interview to ensure that the marriage is not being contracted for fraudulent purposes.
- Obtain a Marriage Certificate: Upon approval, the couple will receive a marriage certificate. The marriage can be solemnized by a registered marriage officer, such as a magistrate, minister, or registrar of marriages.
Documents required to enter into a marriage
On the day of the marriage a couple must present the following documents to the person officiating at the wedding:
- Identity documents(for each person getting married)
- If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)
- If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required
- If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished
- If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.
Conducting a marriage
Only marriage officers authorised in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961 to perform marriages may do so. Presently civil marriages are solemnised at offices of the Department of Home Affairs and at churches (by authorised marriage officers).
A marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses in:
- a church or another building used for religious services
- in a public office or private house, with open doors
- in the case of serious illness or injuries, the marriage may take place in a hospital or any concerned facility.
Marriage certificates
Two witnesses and the marriage officer must sign the marriage register after the solemnisation of a marriage. Then the marriage officer must issue the parties with a handwritten marriage certificate (BI-27) free of charge.
The marriage officer must then submit the marriage register to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs, where the marriage details will be recorded in the National Population Register (NPR).
Any additional abridged copies or unabridged copies of the marriage certificate can be requested by:
- Completing Form BI-130 in black ink and submitting it to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs or to the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad
- Paying the prescribed fee
The first issue of an abridged marriage certificate is free, and a re-issue is R75.00
In addition to abridged or unabridged copies of a marriage certificate, you may also request the following documents after completing Form BI-130 and paying the prescribed fees:
- A vault copy of the register
- An abridged marriage certificate that is either computer-printed or handwritten
Prohibited Marriages
The law states that certain categories of people may not marry. These include:
- Minors, unless the prescribed consent to the marriage has been given
- People who are already married. bigamy is a punishable offense in South Africa. Such marriages are also null and void under South African law
- In the columns below, a man may not marry any person mentioned in column 1; and a woman may not marry any person mentioned in column 2:
| 1 | 2 |
| Mother Daughter Father’s mother Mother’s mother Son’s daughter Daughter’s daughter Sister Wife’s mother Wife’s daughter Father’s wife Son’s wife Father’s father’s wife Mother’s father’s wife Wife’s father’s mother Wife’s mother’s mother Wife’s son’s daughter Wife’s daughter’s daughter Son’s son’s wife Daughter’s son’s wife Father’s sister Mother’s sister Brother’s daughter Brother’s daughter’s daughter Sister’s daughter Sister’s daughter’s daughter Sister’s son’s daughter | Father Son Father’s father Mother’s father Son’s son Daughter’s son Brother Husband’s father Husband’s son Mother’s husband Daughter’s husband Father’s mother’s husband Mother’s mother’s husband Husband’s father’s father Husband’s mother’s father Husband’s son’s son Husband’s daughter’s son Son’s daughter’s husband Daughter’s daughter’s husband Father’s brother Mother’s brother Brother’s son Brother’s son’s son Sister’s son Sister’s son’s son Sister’s daughter’s son |
Additional Considerations:
- The foreign national should have a valid passport and visa for South Africa.
- If the foreign national intends to remain in South Africa after marriage, they may need to apply for residency or citizenship.
It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney to ensure that all legal requirements are met and to understand the potential immigration consequences of marriage to a South African.
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.