How powerful is the South African passport?

This article guides you on the question “How powerful is the South African passport?”. Let’s explore:

The South African passport is relatively powerful, ranking around 44th to 52nd in the world, depending on the ranking index used. This means that South African passport holders can travel to a good number of countries without needing a visa beforehand.

Here’s a breakdown of the South African passport’s power:

  • Visa-free access to: 61 countries (as of October 2023)
  • Visa on arrival: 46 countries
  • eTA: 5 countries
  • Visa required: 86 countries

So, with a South African passport, you can potentially visit over 100 countries without needing to go through the hassle of applying for visas in advance. This makes it quite a powerful passport, especially within Africa, where it ranks among the top 3.

Of course, the specific countries you can visit without a visa will depend on your circumstances, such as your nationality, profession, and travel history. It’s always best to check the latest visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit.

The Republic of South Africa is a former British colony. It is located in Southern Africa and it consists of nine provinces. It borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. The most important provinces are Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. South Africa is the 9th largest country in Africa with a surface area of 1,221,037 square kilometers. This makes it one of the larger countries in Africa. Its terrain is characterized by a vast interior plateau surrounded by hills and coastal plains. The climate is semiarid with subtropical parts alongside the eastern coast.

The overall population is 59.6 million people. The capital of the country is Pretoria. The most populous city with around 5.6 million inhabitants is however Johannesburg. Other important cities of the country are Cape Town, Bloemfontein and Durban. The largest airport is O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). It has an approximate yearly passenger traffic of 21 million people. It connects the country to destinations across the entire world.

South Africa gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1931. Its culture is dominated by a mix of tribal traditions and colonial and European heritage. There majority of the population is 86% Christian. The nation has 11 official languages including English and Tribal dialects. The legal system is a mix between, civil, common and customary law. The government form is a parliamentary republic with President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa as elected chief of state and head of government. Elections take place every 5 years.

The official currency of the country is the South African Rand (ZAR) with the current exchange rate being ZAR 17.01 to the USD. South Africa has an open economy, generating a GDP of approximately $711 billion. This makes it the 3rd largest economy in Africa. It has a per capita income of $11,911. The main GDP contributing sectors are services and agriculture. South Africa’s economy relies heavily on mining. It is one of the most mineral rich countries in the world and the largest producer of platinum, gold and chromium.

The Republic of South Africa is an exciting destination offering several attractions. It is known for its vast wildlife and safari tours in various national parks. Some of the major destinations are the Kruger National Park, Cape Town, the Garden Route, Stellenbosch, Drakensberg and Robben Island. The majority of the 16.4 million yearly tourism visitors is originating from the neighboring African countries, the United States and Europe

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

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.

 

Related Posts: