Cornerstone Institute Prospectus 2027

Cornerstone Institute Prospectus 2027 pdf

Admission Requirements
Undergraduate: must have passed the equivalent of a South African Grade 12.
Postgraduate: see admission requirements of your specific program of interest under ‘programs’ on our website
For further inquiries regarding admission requirements, feel free to e-mail admissions@cornerstone.ac.za
Feedback and Acceptance Letters
Feedback will be provided via e-mail 2 weeks after the full application has been received. If you are accepted, you
will be provided with a fee quote. Before a visa letter can be issued, a deposit of 60% of the total fee is required.
Visa Letters:
Once you have received a provisional acceptance letter from Cornerstone Institute, 60% of the annual tuition fee
must be paid to Cornerstone Institute in order for the registrar to issue you with a visa letter to apply for a study
permit. (Many of our foreign students struggle to get their visa in time and end up arriving later for the start of lectures.)
In adherence to South African Government rules and regulations, your final registration is subject to producing a
valid study permit that can be applied for at the nearest South African representative, normally in your home country. For this purpose you will use the official visa letter issued by the Registrar. This letter must be presented to a
South African diplomatic mission abroad, which has the authority to process applications for study permits. The
South African Department of Home Affairs and South African diplomatic offices abroad are responsible for the regulations and procedures. Do not proceed to Cornerstone Institute without the study permit/visa.
Should you require assistance with finding accommodation please contact Student Services at
sdss@cornerstone.ac.za
Tel: 021 448 0050 www.cornerstone.ac.za
Fax: 086 663 2280 Email: info@cornerstone.ac.za
Study Permit Requirements
Letter of Admission from Cornerstone Institute.
Proof that sufficient funds are available for the proposed stay in South Africa to cover tuition fees, maintenance
and incidental costs.
Details regarding arranged accommodation, which should be in Cape Town or surrounding areas. (The Embassy requires proof of residence, i.e. a formal letter with a lease agreement from the owner of the residence.
Cornerstone cannot supply this.)
A police clearance certificate.
The expiry date of your study permit is very important. It is your own responsibility to apply for an extension 30
days before it expires.
Repatriation guarantee
 You should provide a medical certificate as provided for on the study permit application form and particulars
of, or arrangements made with regard to, medical insurance/cover in South Africa. You will also need to submit
medical and radiological reports, which should be less than six months old and relevant certificates if you are married, widowed, divorced or separated.
 If the duration of your studies is longer than one year, you will have to lodge a cash deposit or bank guarantee
equivalent to the airfare or transportation costs to your country of origin for repatriation purposes. Please keep the
receipt issued for the guarantee for a possible extension of your study permit in South Africa. The cash deposit will
only be reimbursed once you are back in your home country.
Immigration Matters
 Formal admission to Cornerstone Institute does not guarantee the issuing of a study permit.
 Students without valid study permits cannot be registered at Cornerstone Institute.
 Permit Applications should be made at least 30 days prior to the date of departure.
All documents required when you apply for a study permit or visitor’s visa must be originals or certified copies. (A
certified copy is a photocopy of the original document with an original certified stamp that the authorized person
[Commissioner of Oaths] has seen the original document. An uncertified photocopy of the original or a photocopy
of a certified copy is not sufficient.)
Working while studying in South Africa
 The holder of a study permit may conduct part-time work as long as the period does not exceed 20 hours per
a week and may also work full-time during academic vacations.
 A holder of a study permit may also be granted permission to conduct work in the form of practical training in
a field related to his/her studies, on submission of the following documentation:
 A letter from Cornerstone Institute confirming that practical training is required or advantageous to complete
the intended study, and
A letter from the prospective employer offering practical training
If writing the National Benchmark Tests is a requirement for your studies, please follow the link below to apply to
write them in your own country.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

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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:

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  • 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:

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📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

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  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.
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  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

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🗓️ 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:

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  • Registration fees
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  • Meals and transport
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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:

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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:

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📱 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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