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Q: Do departments still need to use Standard Bid Document (SBD) forms?
Yes, until the Treasury regulations have been amended and the instructions have been repealed, the SBD Forms remain in place.
Q:What was the reason for taking away the advertising of tenders in the newspapers, tender bulletins and other mediums? We service multiple suppliers from a variety of communities. Why not just keep all mediums available to ensure transparency and access?
It is estimated that R700 million is spent annually on publishing tenders in the various media. Furthermore, it is very difficult for suppliers to be informed of opportunities as they need to monitor various publications. Thirdly, if tender documents are not available electronically, it makes it difficult for suppliers to access tender documentation if they do not have an office close to the relevant government department.
The eTender Publication Portal centralises bid opportunities across government and make bid documents available free of charge. This makes procurement much more transparent. Other publications could also be considered should the need arise, but it should not be the norm, as publication costs needs to come down.
Q:The department has a national tender to publish. If we cannot advertise in any other media – how will we reach all potential suppliers?
All competitive bids and their results, irrespective of the audience, must be published on the eTender Publication Portal. In addition, other publications could also be considered, should the need arise, but it should only be in cases where a specific audience is targeted.
Q: How do we cancel tenders on the eTender Publication Portal?
The Tender Administrator needs to be informed of the tender that needs to be cancelled as well as the reason for the cancellation. Only Tender Administrators can change tender statuses on the eTender Publication Portal.
Q:How exposed is the eTender Publication Portal to the general public? How will they get access? Some find the cost of data too high.
The e-Tender Publication Portal is a website that can be accessed free of charge through any device that has internet connectivity.
Based on the information gathered for the period from October 2015 to April 2016, it is worth noting the following statistics:
Site Activity
∙126 101 people have accessed the portal at least once and more than 61% have returned on a regular basis.
∙The daily access increased from 1 450 visits per day during October 2015 to an average of 3 106 per day during March and April 2016.
∙Mondays and Tuesdays are the most active days, because most publications are published on Fridays. Saturdays and Sundays have very low activity.
∙The site is accessed most: daily between 09:00 and 14:00.
Geospatial Statistics:
∙90.61% of views are by South African suppliers.
∙Kenyan suppliers are the second highest audience with 3.39% views, followed by the United States with 1.22%.
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Sponsored Guide
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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.