How much is Wits application fee?

The application fee for the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa is R100 for South African citizens and R700 for foreign citizens. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.

Please apply online at www.wits.ac.za/applications

Currently enrolled Wits Students must apply via the Student Self Service Portal https://self-service.wits.ac.za

If you are not a currently enrolled student at Wits University, you must apply @ www.wits.ac.za/applications and select ‘Step 1’ to create a Temporary Number, this will enable you to create a profile and apply online.

Whether currently enrolled or not, all applicants must follow the following steps:

  • Gather/prepare the following documentation which must accompany your application:
    • Certified hard copies of all your academic records or transcripts (these are the official pages issued by your university showing marks for each course you enrolled for, for the duration of your studies at that institution), and certified hard copies of your degree/diploma certificates. You may scan and upload the electronic copies with your application. However, upon receiving an admission letter (should your application be successful) you must submit hard copies (see detailed instructions below)
    • If any of your degrees are from universities outside of South Africa, you must submit a certified copy of a SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) certificate of your degrees. To obtain this certificate, you have to apply through the SAQA website http://www.saqa.org.za/# (click ‘services’) to have your non-South African qualification certified. The purpose is to ensure the qualifications of the applicant are assessed at the correct level, and SAQA also prevents qualifications fraud. Please note that SAQA can take several weeks to evaluate and issue a certificate. Therefore you need to start this process without delay. SAQA charges a fee, and this is detailed on its website. Once you have received your certificate from SAQA, you may upload a scanned copy as part of your online application. However, you will have to submit a hard copy once you receive an admission letter, should your application be successful (see details for the hard copy submission below).
    • A CV if you have previously worked. Please ensure that this provides a chronology of your work experience and includes your duties and levels of responsibility.
    • Typed compulsory assignment – see assignment briefing in the button below. No application will be assessed without this assignment carried out as per the instructions. Please pay attention to this.
    • Proof of payment of R200 application fee (see payment instructions below). Note that currently enrolled Wits students are exempt from paying the application fee.
    • Copy of ID document (if the applicant is South African) or passport (if the applicant is from another country).
    • If your degrees are from a university that is not English medium, then you need to secure a proof of English proficiency certificate. You may upload a scanned certified copy of this in your electronic application, but you must submit a certified hard copy (paper) once/if you receive an admission letter.
  • Please ensure that after you have completed the required information in the online application and attached ALL the supporting documentation listed above, that you submit the application. Only once you see the screen saying ‘thank you for submission your application to the University’ is your application process complete.
  • You will receive a letter by e-mail the following day to confirm your application to the University, listing the programme(s) you have applied for. If you do not receive an e-mail with this letter the day after your submission please check with the Wits Student Call Centre as your application may not have been submitted successfully. The Student Call Centre can be reached @ +27 11 717 1888.
  • Applicants who upload all the required supporting documentation (including the compulsory assignment) will have their applications registered as ‘complete’ and labelled as such on your self-service portal (i.e. please check your portal regularly to make sure it is complete). Only complete applications will be sent to the selection committee in the School of Architecture and Planning for evaluation/selection for your chosen degree(s). If you are admitted/selected to study in your chosen degree(s) you will receive an offer letter through the self-service portal. Therefore please continue checking your portal regularly after having submitted a complete application.
  • The Student Enrolment Centre will then still require you to submit the duly certified hard copies (on paper) of all your academic records and graduation certificates, as well as a certified had copy of the SAQA Evaluation Certificate if you studied outside of South Africa, and your English proficiency certificate if you studied in a non-English medium institution. Note that you will not be able to accept your Firm Offer nor Register to start your studies if you have not submitted your certified hard copies. Please bring them to the Enrolment Centre in person. If you applied from another country or city, then rather than couriering these valuable documents, we advise that you may bring them with you in person to registration, which is arranged early in the year, usually a week before your studies commence.

The Student Enrolment Centre is on East Campus on the ground floor of Solomon Mahlangu House (formerly Senate House), opposite the café.

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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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