Scholarship Tips and Tricks

By | August 31, 2020
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A scholarship is a place to highlight your knowledge. It can only be accomplished with loads of confidence. Scholarship interviews are known for their tough competition; still it is easy to crack them. Preparation and rehearsing for the interview speech will help you in moving towards the target. A little fumbling with your confidence can topple you and your dreams even if you think you are prepared.

The following are frequently asked questions in a scholarship interview. Exercising the following tips will help you exorcise the interview demon.

Remember to knock before you enter. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake.

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  • Tell me about yourself : This is a question common to every interview. The interviewer would expect you to introduce yourself by name, family information, school, area of interest and your reason for being here. Be confident in answering this question; interviewers expect a fluent answer.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses? : Similar to the first one. List out your strengths; be watchful while listing weaknesses. Working too hard can be listed as a weakness.
  • Your inspiration : It is important to have an inspiration in a scholarship interview. Interviewers expect you to be inspired by former presidents, sportspersons or war heroes. This aspect also helps in preparing for the interview speech.
  • Who is your favorite president? Why? : This is a question to test your knowledge about presidents and to verify information based on your inspirations. A free to talk question.
  • Your biggest success : Interviewers get into the actual interview with this question. This is a good time to talk about a school function you led and executed successfully. Showcase any performance that you feel may impress the interviewer. Restrict it to education and leadership related performances only.
  • Do you learn from mistakes? Give an example. : This is actually a tricky question and certainly not a place to display your mistakes. Give an answer similar to the weakness question. Quote a situation where you have proved that you have learnt from the mistake.
  • Your favorite book : If you want to be a leader, you need to have a favorite book. Lots of books are available in stores that contain inspirational values. Select one and read it completely. Explain the gist of the book when asked.
  • You are in a bookshop containing personality development books, investment related ad autobiographies. Pick two. : A tricky question. Pick two books closely related to the major you have applied for in the university.
  • Tell us about your goals : Speak only about goals that are related to your study. To become a doctor and serve the people or to eradicate a particular disease would add shine to your speech.
  • How do you see yourself after 10 years? : Similar goals. You should see yourself in a high position serving people. Receiving an award would be a great achievement.
  • What has made your principal give a reference letter favoring you? : Tell about your qualities and performances that impressed him.
  • Why do you think you are the right candidate to receive scholarship? : Explain your ambitions and goals with faith and confidence.
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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).
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📚 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.

 

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