How long does Carleton University acceptance take?

The processing time for admission decisions at Carleton University varies depending on the applicant type and program applied for. However, the general timeframe for receiving an admission decision is as follows:

Undergraduate Admissions

  • Domestic applicants: 4 to 6 weeks from the submission of their application
  • International applicants: 6 to 8 weeks from the submission of their application

Graduate Admissions

  • Domestic applicants: 1 to 3 months from the submission of their application
  • International applicants: 3 to 4 months from the submission of their application

Please note that these are just general guidelines, and the actual processing time may vary depending on the specific program and the volume of applications received.

Referees / Letters of Reference

Can I submit a referee from my employer?
Maybe. A referee is typically a faculty member with whom you have studied and is able to assess your potential for graduate level study and research. References from non-academic supervisors, such as your place of employment, may be accepted in certain cases i.e. professional references or for professional programs. We recommend providing an academic referee with your application.

My referees said they submitted their online reference, but I don’t see it in Carleton Central. What do I do?
Wait. It could take up to 2 business days before being displayed in Carleton Central.

How do I change a referee?
You can not. Once you have submitted your online application containing email addresses for your referees, you cannot change that information. You may, however, add a referee to your application by completing the Add a Referee form. You must have your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) to submit this form.

How do I add a referee to my application?
Requesting additional referees beyond what is required for the program to which you are applying will not benefit your application. However, if for reasons beyond your control you would like to add a new referee, please complete the Add a Referee form. You must have your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) to submit this form.

My referee(s) have not received an email from Carleton. What can I do?
Ask your referee(s) to check their spam or junk mail folders. The email is sent from graduate.studies@carleton.ca with the subject line “Carleton Referee for Admission.” If you would like the email resent to your referee(s) you can contact the department to which you have applied. You should ensure you include your Carleton User ID (10XXXXXXX) as well as the email address of your referee.

I have submitted an incorrect email address for one of my referees or they have changed their email address. How do I correct this?
Send an email to graduate.studies@carleton.ca with the following information:

  • Subject Line: Change of Referee Email Address
  • Carleton User ID (as sent to you via email from Carleton):
  • Program:
  • Term to which you have applied:
  • Referee Name:
  • Old Referee Email Address:
  • New Referee Email Address:

Note: If you do not have your Carleton User ID yet, please wait until you receive it before making this type of request.

Can I submit a paper copy of my reference letter?
No. Referees are automatically sent an email requesting that they complete an online reference form. Paper copies of reference letters are not accepted. Referees are encouraged to send an email to graduate.studies@carleton.ca directly if they are experiencing difficulty or have problems with this process.

Can my referees submit their online reference after the admission deadline?

Yes, however it is your responsibility to follow up with your referees to ensure they have received the email and that they submit the reference before the application deadline. Referee submissions posted after the admission deadline may be too late for consideration.

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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:

  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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