Can I renew my South African passport before it expires?
Have you ever wondered “how do I renew my passport?” or “when is the best time to renew my passport?” If your SA passport is expired or will expire within the next 6-7 months, now is the time to renew it.
Renewing your passport is a lot easier than applying for a new one. SA passports have to be renewed every 10 years and for people who are 15 years or younger, their passports can be renewed up to 5 years after they expire.
Do it online
With the country moving forward through digitisation and the introduction of the eHomeAffairs system, you can now renew your passport or apply for an ID online – a virtual and far more efficient experience!
Things sure have improved too for the passport renewal process, which can take up to a 1 week or 10 days, depending on where you apply. Home affairs will also update you with SMS notifications when your passport is ready for collection.
Please note, you will need internet banking to proceed with your online passport application and will have to go to a Home Affairs branch to capture their biometrics and collect their passport.
Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents have the option of recording their biometrics and collecting their renewed passport at specific Absa, FNB, Standard Bank or Nedbank branches – so the idea of standing in long lines are now a thing of the past.
However, if you don’t live in either of these places, you can use the eHome Affairs services, but you will need to go into Home Affairs to record your biometric data and to collect your passport or ID.
What you need
- A copy of your ID
- R400 for the passport
- Access to internet banking
Step-by-step
Step 1: Account registration
Register on the eHome Affairs website
Create a profile
Answer the simple security questions
Create a password
Capture the one time pin sent to your cellphone
Attach a copy of your ID
Step 2: Make a payment
Enter your account details on the site.
Log into your internet banking to authorise the payment – go to ‘My Bills’ under ‘Payments’ to initiate a payment instruction.
Add the Department of Home Affairs as a beneficiary and a payment instruction will now appear under ‘My Bills’.
Enter your reference number and approve the payment of R400 to the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 3: Make an appointment
Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered that you have paid, you will be able to make an appointment to record your biometric data.
If you live in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Pretoria, you will be able to select a bank branch with the required facilities. If not, you will have to go to your local Home Affairs – this does not require an appointment.
If you are able to make an appointment at one of the bank branches you will be given a choice of time slots.
Select a time slot, after which will receive appointment confirmation via email and an SMS which you will need to take with you to the bank.
Step 4: Record your biometrics
Option 1: Home Affairs Branch
Once the Department of Home Affairs has registered your payment you will be eligible to proceed with your biometrics data – two thumbprints, a photo and your signature.
You do not need to make an appointment at Home Affairs.
Simply go to your local branch to have your biometrics done.
You will need to take your ID book with you to the Home Affairs branch.
Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria residents can make an appointment for their biometrics at their local bank branch once their payment has been registered.
You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
You will need to take the confirmation email or SMS to the bank.
You will be given a choice of time slots. Once you’ve selected a time slot, you will be sent a confirmation via SMS and email.
Take your ID book and confirmation email or SMS with you when going to your local bank branch.
Step 5: Wait for an SMS or email
When your passport is ready for collection, you will receive notification. This should take roughly ten days.
Home Affairs has some handy information here in case you get stuck.
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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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
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.