Graduating from the University of South Africa (UNISA) is a significant achievement that opens the door to various opportunities in the job market. However, finding a job after completing your studies can be a challenging endeavor. With careful planning, preparation, and a proactive approach, you can increase your chances of securing a job that aligns with your qualifications and career aspirations. In this article, we will outline a step-by-step guide on how to find a job after graduating from UNISA in South Africa.
Contact the national Department of Labour to find out if there is a Labour Centre close to where you live. Approach the Labour Centre for information about possible job opportunities.
How to Find a Job after Graduating from UNISA in South Africa
Congratulations on graduating from UNISA! Now it’s time to start your job search. Here are some tips on how to find a job in South Africa:
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question- Start by networking. Talk to your friends, family, and former classmates to see if they know of any job openings. You can also attend industry events and meetups to meet new people and make connections.
- Update your CV and cover letter. Make sure your CV is tailored to the specific jobs you are applying for. Your cover letter should highlight your skills and experience, and explain why you are interested in the position.
- Use online job boards. There are many online job boards where you can search for jobs. Some popular job boards in South Africa include Careers24, Indeed, and Gumtree.
- Attend job fairs. Job fairs are a great way to meet with potential employers and learn about job openings.
- Reach out to companies directly. If you are interested in working for a particular company, you can reach out to them directly and inquire about job openings.
- Don’t give up. The job search can be tough, but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and networking, and eventually you will find the right one for you.
Tips that may be helpful for graduates of UNISA:
- Take advantage of UNISA’s career services. UNISA offers a variety of career services to help graduates find jobs. These services include CV writing workshops, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
- Get involved in extracurricular activities. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to gain experience and network with people in your field. This could include joining a student organization, volunteering, or interning.
- Stay up-to-date on industry trends. The job market is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. You can do this by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and taking online courses.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find the right job after graduating. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a job right away. Keep applying for jobs and networking, and eventually you will find the right one for you.
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.