If you want to change your programme choice, send an e-mail containing your request to info@sun.ac.za. Please remember that, after the closing date, programme changes can only be considered if there are places available in the programme.
- For Stellenbosch University you may select three programme choices. The reason you may indicate three programmes, is that there are programmes with extensive selection criteria and it is possible that you will not to be selected for your first choice, but you may still be selected for your second or third choice.
- Note however, that you can only be admitted to one programme at a time. If you are admitted to your second choice at first, and then admitted to your first choice, your second choice will lapse as soon as you are admitted to your first choice.
- If you would rather continue with your second (or third choice) offer, you must let us know before the end of September at info@sun.ac.za. The offer you decline will expire. After September, your request will only be considered if places are available.
- All our programmes have selection criteria, but the following programmes all have extensive selection processes: All programmes in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; all programmes in the Faculty of Law; BA (Visual Arts); BA (Drama); all programmes in Music; BA (Sport Science); BSc (Sport Science); BEd (GenEd); all pogrammes in Engineering; BCom Actuarial Science and BCom (International Business).
- If your first programme choice is from the extensive selection programmes, we recommend a second choice. If both your first and second choices are from the list of selection programmes above, we recommend that you indicate a third choice which is not from this list.
- If you want to change your programme choice, send an e-mail containing your request to info@sun.ac.za. Please remember that, after the closing date, programme changes can only be considered if there are places available in the programme.
- To help you place your programme choice in the correct order, bear the following in mind:
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionMedicine and Health SciencesThis faculty will only consider your programme choice if it is indicated as your first choice. Applicants can however be considered for BSc in Dietetics as a second choice. |
EducationThis faculty will only consider your programme choice if it is indicated as your first choice. |
Law programmesSelection for the programmes BA (Law), BAccLLB and BCom (Law) will only be considered if it is your first programme choice.The undergraduate, four-year LLB programme will be considered as a first or a second choice on your application. |
Economic and Management Sciences (EMS)This faculty will consider first, second or third programme choices. If you have more than one EMS programme on your list. EMS will consider them in your order of preference.BCom (Law), BCom Actuarial Sciences, BAccLLB and BCom (International Business) will however, only be considered if it is your first choice |
AgriSciencesThis faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice, with the exception of the programme in BSc Food Science, BScAgric Animal Science or a programme where Food Science or Animal Science is offered as a subject. For these programmes, your application will only be considered as a first or second choice. |
ScienceThis faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice. The programmes BSc Human Life Sciences, BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology and BSc Sport Science, will however, only be considered as a third choice if places are available. |
EngineeringThis faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice. You may apply for more than one BEng programme, e.g. BEng Civil as first choice and BEng Industrial as second, since their selection thresholds may differ |
TheologyThis faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first or second choice. Third choice will be considered based on availability of places. |
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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)
-
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.