The ISASA Pension Fund is a voluntary retirement savings fund available to member schools of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA). Schools can opt to join this fund or retain their own retirement savings plans, offering flexibility to cater to their specific needs.
Why Choose the ISASA Pension Fund?
- Voluntary Participation: Schools can choose to join the ISASA Pension Fund at their discretion, making it a flexible option that suits varying school requirements.
- Impressive Fund Size: With over R6 billion under management, the ISASA Pension Fund is a well-established and secure choice for retirement planning.
- Cost-Effective: One of the key benefits of the ISASA Pension Fund is its affordable cost structure, which is below market average. This makes it a cost-effective solution for schools looking to offer quality retirement benefits without breaking the bank.
- Solid Investment Performance: The Fund’s investment strategy has consistently outperformed its benchmarks, demonstrating a solid track record of growth and stability. Schools and their staff can rest easy knowing their retirement savings are being managed with a focus on long-term growth.
- Administered by Old Mutual: The ISASA Pension Fund is professionally managed by Old Mutual, one of South Africa’s most trusted financial service providers. This ensures that your retirement fund is in good hands, benefiting from expert management and service.
- 162 Participating Schools: With 162 schools already benefiting from the ISASA Pension Fund, it’s clear that this fund is trusted and widely used across the independent school sector in South Africa.
Key Benefits for Schools and Staff
- Flexible Benefits: The ISASA Pension Fund provides a range of options, allowing schools to tailor their retirement offerings to meet the needs of their staff.
- Effective Management: The Fund is well-managed by a dedicated Board that ensures costs remain low while maximizing returns through smart investment strategies.
- Award-Winning Fund: The ISASA Pension Fund has been recognized for its outstanding performance and benefits, making it a highly regarded choice for retirement planning.
How to Join the ISASA Pension Fund
If your school is considering joining the ISASA Pension Fund, the process is straightforward. Simply reach out to the ISASA Pension Fund’s Principal Officer or an Old Mutual Account Executive for detailed guidance. Schools can access additional resources, including an Information Flyer, which can be downloaded and distributed to staff members to better inform them about the benefits of joining the Fund.
Ways to Get in Touch with the ISASA Pension Fund
For more information or to discuss your school’s participation, here are the contact options available:
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question- Call Centre: 0860 455 455
- Website: Visit the ISASA Pension Fund website for further details and resources.
- Facebook: Connect on ISASARetirement and Provident Fund for updates and news.
- Instagram: Find us on Instagram for insights and announcements.
- WhatsApp: Reach out via 0860 933 333 for quick and convenient assistance.
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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.