How do you write a tender document?

By | April 23, 2019

The key to writing a good tender is to be specific and detail how your capabilities match the client’s exact requirements.

You don’t have to be arrogant to sell your firm. Never kick off the tender by saying how great you are. Instead, show that you’ve listened to the client’s needs and found them the right solution. The way to do this is to identify and concentrate on the ‘win themes’ – the issues the client is most concerned with. Hopefully, you will have had an opportunity to ask them about these (see Preparing to write a tender). But invitations to tender usually give you clues about what they are and often state them directly (‘tenderers must have …’).

Win themes could include things like:

  • completing the job within a tight time schedule
  • attracting quality subcontractors
  • project-management skills
  • guarantees to stay on schedule
  • health and safety procedures.

To some extent, most tenders should cover all these issues – among others. But make sure you focus more on the ones your client is particularly interested in. And then show how your firm can meet their needs.

One way of doing this with more complex tenders is to draw up a compliance matrix to make sure you’ve got a solution for everything the tender asks for.

This could give you the edge if you include it in the tender document itself.

Some people in the construction industry argue that tenders are usually won on price alone. No-one can dispute how important price is, and sometimes it may be the main factor (making it a win theme, of course). But never ignore the fact that whoever is in charge of the tendering process is also very interested in your firm – and what you can deliver over and above your competitors. Focus on these and you may well reduce the client’s sensitivity to price.

Unique selling points

This doesn’t mean you should slate your competitors in your tender – far from it. But it does mean you should have a clear idea of what your firm’s USPs (unique selling points) are. Some examples might include:

  • quality of finish and ability to deal with snagging quickly
  • getting the job done within a tight timeframe and budget (without jeopardising quality)
  • regular progress reports and updates to client
  • client-satisfaction record and percentage of repeat business.
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Make it clear why they should choose you. Don’t just make vague and clichéd claims such as ‘we deliver high- quality work within tight schedules’ or ‘we have considerable experience in the management of new office fit outs and refurbishments’. You need to substantiate these kinds of claims with supporting evidence. For example, ‘We have delivered 90 per cent of our jobs within budget and 60 per cent or our business comes from existing clients’.

Include a breakdown of all the various aspects of the work involved in the project. And don’t leave out things because you’re not sure if the client wants them or because you can’t price them accurately at this stage; it will look as though you’ve overlooked them. If necessary, put them in with a ‘tbc’. Don’t make assumptions. Just because the client or person managing the tender knows you, that doesn’t mean you can leave out vital information about your firm. What if there are some other crucial ‘influencers’ reading your tender who know nothing about you?

Finally, always go through your tender face to face if the tender process allows it. That way you can sort out any sticking points.

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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.

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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:

  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.