Christian Gap Year in South Africa 2026 Dates And Fees

By | March 23, 2024

Christian Gap Year in South Africa 2026 Dates And Fees

Year of Your Life  2026 – January intake

Term 1:  21 January to 24 March 2026

Term 2:  18 April to 23 June 2026

Term 3:  17 July to 22 September 2026

Term 4:   9 October to 25 November 2026

Year of Your Life 2026 – July intake

Term 1:  24 July to 22 September 2026

Term 2:  9 October to 25 November 2026

Term 3:  23 January to 18 March 2026 (TBC)

Term 4:  11 April to 24 June 2026 (TBC)

Year of Your Life fees 2026

Tuition:  R27 300

Boarding:  R36 500

Total per year:  R63 800

ALL Outreaches are sponsored by the Missions Fund of Hatfield Christian Churchand are not included in the student fees for the year.

Year of Your Life Fees can be paid on a monthly or termly basis. Contact us for payment options.

Dynamic classes

Classes are presented at Hatfield Christian Church from Mondays to Thursdays in the mornings and some afternoons. A wide range of life-changing topics are covered. These include:

  • Practical skills

  • Romantic relationships

  • How to read the Bible

  • Hearing God’s voice

  • God’s perspective on life

In the second term of the year students choose one of four tracks, learning both practical skills and theory in:

  • Music and worship

  • Leadership

  • Entrepreneurship

  • Study skills

Classes are presented by various lecturers to give students a wide spectrum of knowledge as well as the opportunity to learn from and engage with people from all walks of life.

FAQ’s

Does the course fee include accommodation?

Yes, fully furnished student housing with free WiFi, situated on the church property, are available specifically for students enrolled in the programme.

What portion of the year is dedicated to missions?

As part of the programme, students will be involved in the following initiatives:

  • Weekly involvement in local community projects

  • Weekend outreaches within South Africa

  • Three-week outreaches accross South Africa and neighbouring countries

Does the course fee include food?

Yes, three meals a day, seven days a week.

Monday to Friday:  Three prepared meals per day.

Weekends: “Open Cupboard” where food is provided and students prepare their own meals as required.

What does it not include?

See also  University of Zululand (Unizulu) Nursing Application 2026

Towels, bedding, washing basket, washing powder and pegs.

When are applications open?

Applications for YOYL 2026 are now open. Apply as soon as possible, especially for students coming from abroad. Remember that for January applications, the year starts on 21 January 2026.

Is it possible to redo or better my Science & Maths while doing YOYL?

Yes, YOYL has a formal connection with Hatfield Christian Online School which allows our students to redo or better their Matric Science & Maths while completing the year. Top quality tutors are available online as well as on campus.

(tutoring fees are an additional cost to the YOYL fees)

Is YOYL accredited?

Yes, students who complete the course are awarded 60 credits when entering the Higher Certificate in Christian Life (HCCL) or the BTh programmes at the South African Theological Seminary (SATS).

 


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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.
See also  Mercedes-Benz Bursary 2026

✅ 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.