The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is a vital part of South Africa’s education system, responsible for overseeing the country’s primary and secondary education. Established in 2009, the DBE emerged from the division of the former Department of Education into two entities—the DBE and the Department of Higher Education and Training—during the presidency of Jacob Zuma. This move was intended to streamline and improve the focus on different levels of education, from basic to higher learning.
- How do I register for DBE?
- What is NSC DBE?
- How do I register with the Department of education as a teacher?
- How to check if the course is registered with Department of education?
- How do I check my application for the Department of education?
- How long does it take to verify qualifications?
What Does the Department of Basic Education (DBE) Do?
The DBE plays a critical role in shaping the future of South Africa by ensuring that all children receive quality education from grades R (Reception) to 12. It is responsible for:
- Curriculum Development: The DBE sets the national curriculum for all grades, ensuring that students receive a balanced and comprehensive education.
- School Oversight: The department monitors public schools across the country, providing guidelines, support, and accountability for educators and administrators.
- Educational Policies: The DBE formulates and implements policies that aim to improve the quality of education, ensure equitable access, and reduce dropout rates.
- National Exams: It oversees the administration of critical national exams such as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) for matric students, ensuring standardization and fairness.
- Partnerships with Stakeholders: The department collaborates with various educational stakeholders, including private school associations like ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) and NAISA (National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations).
Structure and Leadership
The DBE is headed by the Minister of Basic Education, a position currently held by Angie Motshekga since May 2009. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership and ensuring that educational goals align with South Africa’s broader developmental objectives.
The department is headquartered in Sol Plaatje House, located at 222 Struben Street in Pretoria, named after the South African writer and intellectual Sol Plaatje.
Notable Achievements and Challenges
Achievements:
- Curriculum 2005 & CAPS: One of the department’s key achievements was the introduction of Curriculum 2005 and its revision into the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), which aimed to simplify the curriculum and make it more accessible for teachers and learners.
- School Feeding Programs: The DBE also administers the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), ensuring that millions of students receive meals, which is vital for learning.
Challenges:
Despite its achievements, the DBE has faced several challenges. One of the most notable was the 2012 Limpopo textbook crisis, where the department failed to deliver textbooks to schools on time, sparking widespread criticism and protests.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or issues, you can reach the DBE through the following channels:
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question- National Office: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria
- Call Centre: 0800 202 933 | Email: callcentre@dbe.gov.za
- Switchboard: 012 357 3000
- Certification Queries: certification@dbe.gov.za | 012 357 4511/3
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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:
- 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.