Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship 2026

By | February 13, 2024
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Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship 202/2026 is now open. All interested applicants should apply Now. The Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship was formed in memory of Ida Manana Siyila, by an American family for who she worked, for over 30 years.

Closing Date: 24 February 2026 (at 17:00).

The scholarship is open to female students, who intend on pursuing degree studies at the University of the Free State, in ANY field of study. Students with exceptional academic records and involvement in community service or leadership should apply.

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must be female
  • You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
  • You must have completed Matric in 2026, in the Free State Province
  • You must have been accepted to study towards a Bachelors Degree qualification at the University of the Free State, in 2026
  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must have achieved a Bachelor level pass, with an UFS Admission Point (AP-score) of at least 36
  • You must have been involved in community service or leadership during your school career
  • You must have a total household income of LESS than R600 000 per year (before tax) – this includes ALL incomes (salary, grant, pension, etc) (not older than 3 months
  • You must NOT be eligible for NSFAS funding

BURSARY COVERAGE:

The scholarship will provide cover for the following expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, books, residence or accommodation fees, and meals.

The scholarship will be awarded for 1 academic year at a time, and is renewable each year on condition that the bursar passes a minimum of 80% of their modules each year. The scholarship will be available for the minimum duration of time to complete the Bachelors Degree qualification (3 to 4 years), but will not exceed 6 years.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

Download and complete the Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship Application Form 2026 (.pdf)

Note: the application form must be filled in on your computer, in Microsoft Word or pdf document (i.e. not filled in by hand).

Supporting Documents

These documents must be submitted along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • ID document (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate (certified copy)
  • Proof of acceptance to study at the University of the Free State, for 2026 (on institutions letterhead)
  • Parents or guardians proof of household income (3 months recent bank statements payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension or grant if applicable)
  • Documents of your orphaned or emancipated status, if applicable (certified copy)
  • Proof of address
  • Personal statement (maximum 3 pages, in Times New Roman font, 12 point), that follow these guidelines:
    • 1. Brief description of yourself, including your education achievements and how you meet the scholarship criteria
    • 2. Details about how you are personally and actively involved in your academic program
    • 3. What you have learned about leadership and community service
    • 4. Values that are most precious to you and which values you think will help you at university
    • 5. How and why you selected your field/ course of study and what research have you conducted to ensure this course suits your personality and strength
    • 6. Goals and ambitions you have for the future
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Note: all documents must be saved and compiled into 1 single pdf document.
 

Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways:

– Email: MacHeuTD@ufs.ac.za
(Insert the words “Ida Manana Siyila Scholarship Application 2026” in the email subject line).

– Hand delivery:
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein Campus
The Student Financial Aid office
Administration Building

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).
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📚 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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