How to buy Telkom data

Telkom offers a variety of convenient ways to buy data, whether you’re a prepaid, contract, or TopUp customer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods to purchase Telkom data bundles. Whether you’re looking for daily, weekly, or monthly bundles, Telkom provides flexible options to suit your needs.

Buy Telkom Data via USSD

One of the easiest ways to purchase Telkom data is through the USSD code. Simply follow these steps:

  1. Dial *180# on your phone.
  2. Choose your preferred data bundle option (daily, weekly, or monthly).
  3. Confirm your purchase, and the data will be loaded onto your account instantly.

This method is especially useful for users without access to the internet as it works even in offline mode.

Purchase Telkom Data via WhatsApp

Telkom offers a convenient option to buy data via WhatsApp. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Add Telkom’s WhatsApp number 081 160 1700 to your contacts.
  2. Open WhatsApp and send a message to the number.
  3. Follow the prompts to purchase data. This method works with any network’s SIM card, not just Telkom.

Buy Data on the Telkom Self-Service Portal

For users who prefer online transactions, the Telkom self-service portal is another way to buy data:

  1. Go to the Telkom Self-Service Portal (selfservice.telkom.co.za).
  2. Log in using your credentials.
  3. Navigate to the “Buy Data” section and select your preferred bundle.
  4. Confirm your purchase and the data will be added to your account.

Purchase Telkom Data via the MyTelkom App

Telkom’s mobile app offers a user-friendly interface to manage your account and buy data. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Download the MyTelkom App from your device’s app store.
  2. Log in or register your Telkom number.
  3. Go to the “Data Bundles” section and select a bundle that suits your needs.
  4. Complete the purchase using your linked payment option, and your data will be available instantly.

Buy Telkom Data Through Your Banking App

Most major South African banks now allow customers to purchase Telkom airtime and data directly from their banking apps. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open your banking app (e.g., FNB, Absa, Nedbank, etc.).
  2. Navigate to the “Airtime and Data” purchase section.
  3. Select Telkom and choose your data bundle.
  4. Confirm the transaction, and your data will be available immediately.

Purchase Data from a Telkom Store or Retailer

If you prefer to buy data in person, Telkom offers this option at their stores and retail outlets like Checkers, PEP, Spar, and others. Here’s what to do:

  1. Visit a Telkom Store or one of the listed retailers.
  2. Request to buy a Telkom data bundle.
  3. Provide your phone number, and your selected data bundle will be loaded onto your account.

Recharge and Buy Data

For TopUp customers, you need to recharge with airtime before buying data. Simply recharge your phone using any of the methods mentioned above (banking app, MyTelkom App, or retail stores), and then purchase your data bundle via:

  • Dialing *180#.
  • Using the MyTelkom App.
  • Visiting the Self-Service Portal.

Conclusion

Telkom makes it easy for customers to buy data in South Africa with various methods suited for every preference. Whether you want to buy data offline via USSD or online through the MyTelkom App, you have plenty of options to stay connected.

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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).

📚 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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