Correctional Services Contact details

If you need to get in touch with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in South Africa, there are several ways to do so. Whether you’re seeking information, lodging a complaint, or need assistance with any matter related to correctional facilities in the country, this comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date contact details for the DCS.

1. General Contact Information

  • Call Center: For general inquiries or assistance, you can contact the DCS call center at 0860 000 327. This is the primary number for reaching out to the department for a variety of services.
  • Email: For complaints, inquiries, or any other matters, you can email the DCS at enquiry.complaints@dcs.gov.za. This is the department’s dedicated email address for communication.
  • Website: For additional information or to access online services, visit the official DCS website at dcs.gov.za. The website provides a wealth of resources, including links to their services and contact forms.
  • Create a Ticket: If you need to report an issue or track a complaint, you can create a ticket on the DCS’s contact page. Visit dcs.gov.za/contactcentre to submit your request.

2. Regional Contact Numbers

If you prefer to contact the DCS by phone based on your region, here are the regional contact numbers:

  • Gauteng: Call (012) 663 7521 for DCS services in Gauteng.
  • Free State: Reach the Free State office at (051) 430 1954.
  • KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): For KZN, dial (031) 366 1900.
  • Eastern Cape: The Eastern Cape office can be contacted at (043) 722 2729.
  • Western Cape: For assistance in the Western Cape, call (021) 421 1012.

3. Anti-Corruption Hotline

If you wish to report any form of corruption or unethical behavior within the DCS, you can use the Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701. This service is vital for promoting accountability within the correctional system.

4. Postal and Physical Address

  • Postal Address:
    Private Bag X136, Pretoria, 0001
  • Physical Address:
    Poyntons Building, corner of WF Nkomo and Sophie De Bruyn Streets, West Block, Pretoria, 0001.

If you need to send official mail or visit the DCS, use the physical address for in-person inquiries.

5. Postal Telephone Numbers

For additional postal inquiries, the DCS can be reached via the following numbers:

  • 012 307 2998
  • 012 307 2999

These numbers can be used for postal-related queries or further clarification on services offered.

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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:

  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.