IMESA provides financial assistance for full-time students of Civil Engineering degrees through the bursary scheme, which is offered every year. Other engineering fields may also be considered based on the decision of the IMESA Executive Council. The bursary scheme aims to help financially needy but qualified students to continue their higher education as well as to acknowledge the accomplishments of the dependants of the IMESA members.
IMESA bursary is applicable for the succeeding academic year, which includes from the second year of studies and upward. The bursary covers tuition and book fees and is given to the bursary holders tertiary institution. Mentors are also provided for students to encourage participation in IMESA activities.
The bursary is offered to students who are already registered for full-time studies at a recognized tertiary educational institution in South Africa and have successfully completed their mid-year year exams. Bursary grants apply for the following year of study (i.e. second year or further). The bursary covers tuition fees and books, and is paid to the relevant educational tertiary institution. A mentor is appointed and students are encouraged to participate in IMESA activities.
IMESA bursary scheme conditions:
- The Bursary amount may be subject to revision every year based on the decisions made by the Executive Committee of IMESA.
- The first payment will only be given once the student has submitted the following documents to the Executive Committee of IMESA:
- Updated medical certificate
- Proof of enrolment for the specific field of study
- Statement of fees from the tertiary institution
- IMESA has no responsibility to provide employment opportunities to any bursary holders upon completion of their studies. However, bursary holders will be requested to work in local government institutions.
- Any other sources of funding received by the students must be declared immediately and may result in the reduction or termination of the IMESA bursary.
Bursary Requirements and Eligibility
- Full time registered students who intend to pursue a Civil Engineering, or any related and IMESA-approved engineering degree at any accredited tertiary educational institution in South Africa
- Mid-year exams completion
- Excellent academic records
- Proven financial need, for IMESA non-members
How to Apply and Application Details
- Download and complete the applicable IMESA bursary application form:
- IMESA members bursary application form
- IMESA non-members bursary application form
- Alternatively, you can obtain application forms by contacting the IMESA admin officer through the contact information displayed below.
- Send certified copies of the following documents together with your application form:
- South African ID
- Undersigned student’s academic progress statement from the applicant’s institution
- Affidavit of parents’/household monthly income, including the student’s financial situation
- Mid-year academic results
- Application form and required documents must be submitted through either of the following methods:
The Admin Officer: IMESA
Post: P O Box 2190 Westville 3630
Email: bursaries@imesa.org.za
Tel/Fax: + 27 (0) 31 266 5094
Incomplete or late application form and required documents will be disqualified.
Opening and Closing Date
Applications can be submitted from June each year and close in 15 September .
Contact Details
The Admin Officer
IMESA
Address: 2 Derby Downs Office Park Westville
Post: P O Box 2190 Westville 3630
Email: bursaries@imesa.org.za
Tel/Fax: + 27 (0) 31 266 5094
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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)
-
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.
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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.