Healthcare practitioners have a responsibility to continually update their professional knowledge and skills for the end benefit of the patient or client. To this end the HPCSA has implemented a Continuing Professional Development programme.
Practitioners are required to accumulate Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per twelve-month period; including the ethics, human rights and medical law.
Each CEU will be valid for 24 months from the date on which the activity took place (or ended, in the event of post-graduate studies) after which it would lapse. This means that practitioners should aim to accumulate a balance of 60 CEUs by the end of their second year of practise, and thereafter top-up the balance through additional CPD as each 24 –month validity period expires.
Mandatory random audits are conducted to ensure compliancy. Once a practitioner’s name has been selected, they are required to submit a CPD portfolio to Council within 21 days. Non-compliant practitioners will be given six months in order to comply. After the period of 6 months a practitioner will again be audited and if there is still non-compliance, the Professional Board will consider appropriate action. Practitioners are only required to submit their CPD portfolios when their names are drawn from a random sample audit and when requested to submit their completed form CPD 1 IAR with accompanying proof of CPD activities undertaken.
Guidelines
CPD Guidelines | View document |
Frequently Asked Questions
CPD FAQ’s | View document |
Accreditors
Application for recognition as an Accreditor – Form 4 | View document |
Approved Accreditation Fees | View document |
Criteria guidelines for accreditors | View document |
CPD FORMS
For Practitioners | |
---|---|
CPD Manual | View document |
Health Practitioner’s Individual CPD Activity Record | Form CPD 1 |
Feedback Form – Evaluation of HPCSA CPD Accredited Activity | Form CPD 7 |
Application for Recognition as an Accreditor of CPD Activities | Form CPD 4 |
For Accreditors/Accredited CPService Providers | |
---|---|
Application for Approval of CPD Activities | Form CPD 2A |
Application by Institutions or Associations for Accredited Service Provider Status | Form CPD 2 |
Certificate of CPD Attendance | Form CPD 3 |
Annual Report | Form |
Professional Boards | |
---|---|
Process Flow: New Application and Re-application for Accreditor Status | Form CPD 8 |
Checklist for Accreditors & Accredited Service Providers | Form CPD 11 |
Service Providers
Activity Programme and Presenter CV’s – Form CPD 2-A | View document |
Application as an accredited Service Provider – Form CPD 2 | View document |
Attendance Certificate – Form CPD 3 | View document |
Criteria and Guidelines for Service Providers | View document |
Approved Accreditors
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionProfessional Boards | |
Dental Assisting, Dental Therapy & Oral Hygiene | View document |
Dietetics and Nutrition | View document |
Emergency Care | View document |
Environmental Health | View document |
Medical, Dental and Medical Science | View document |
Medical Technology | View document |
Occupational Therapy & Medical Orthotics, Prosthetics and Arts Therapy | View document |
Optometry & Dispensing Opticians | View document |
Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Biokinetics | View document |
Psychology | View document |
Radiography & Clinical Technology | View document |
Speech, Language and Hearing | View document |
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:
- 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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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.