CTI Education Group Admission Requirements
Entrance Requirements
International Students – Entrance Requirements
As an International student you will be required to comply with South African regulations upon entering the country to study. Please take note of the following:
VISA
A visa only enables the holder to proceed to a port of entry before or on the expiry date of the visa, where the holder must comply with the applicable law, regulations and the following requirements of the Republic of South Africa. No fixed travel arrangements must be made prior to the issuing of the visa and five (5) – ten (10) days must be allowed for its processing.
Entry Requirements
- An acceptable passport/travel document to be valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay and containing at least one unused page when presenting it for endorsements.
- A valid study visa, is required.
- Sufficient funds.
- A return/onward ticket.
- Yellow fever certificates are required if the journey starts or entails passing through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America.
Where to Apply for a VISA
- At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the applicant’s country of normal residence -this includes permanent residence and long-term temporary residence.
- At the South African diplomatic or consular representative in the country of which the applicant holds a valid passport.
- At the designated South African diplomatic or consular representative when a mission is not present in the applicant’s country of residence.
Please note: Applications lodged at a place other than the above may be referred by the consular officer to the above offices, which will imply a longer processing time. Visas CANNOT be issued at South African ports of entry.
What to Submit
- Passports must accompany the visa applications when submitted at a South African diplomatic or consular representative.
- Two identity photographs.
- Prescribed visa fee, if not exempted.
- Supporting documentation confirming the purpose of the visit.
- Vaccination certificate, if required.
- Police clearance certificate from your respective country
- Medical report
- Repatriation fee
- Please view the full list of study visa requirements here.
VISA Fees
Nationals of certain countries are subject to visa fees. Fees are levied per application and are not refundable should the application be refused
Medical Aid Cover (Compulsory)
In terms of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, Section 13 (Study Visas) and 10 1 (h) of the Regulations to the Immigration Act, one of the options stated below may apply to non-South African citizens wishing to register on Study Visas. In all cases, students must submit proof of adequate medical cover for the full academic year (or period) and a copy thereof (written proof and membership card).
One of the options stated below will be acceptable for students registering on Study Visas:
- Medical cover issued by a South African medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act.
- International medical cover obtained outside the borders of South Africa and accepted by South African Missions in order for students to obtain Study Visas.
Visitors or students, who enter South Africa on any other visas, are strongly advised to ensure that they have ample medical cover for the duration of their stay.
Enrolment Requirements for CTI
Please view our Enrolment Conditions here.
Should you have any queries please contact CTI and we will be happy to assist!
CTI International Student Advisors
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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)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.