It’s never too late to learn at Unisa

By | October 18, 2016
Gawtum Rughoonundun

Gawtum Rughoonundun

Age and nationality are never obstacles, but rather opportunities for those who chose to study at Unisa. The 47-year-old Mauritian-born Gawtum Rughoonundun, who is one of many who have benefited from Unisa’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Consumer Science.

Rughoonundun was granted access to pursue his degree through RPL (mature learner process) and when he registered for the Bachelor of Consumer Science was also granted RPL credits for a few subjects based on his experience. This resulted in a double RPL benefit for Rughoonundun—gaining access and getting his qualification in a shorter time.

He came to South Africa over 20 years ago and first studied towards a Diploma in Hotel Management with Intec College. However, Rughoonundun wanted to pursue a degree but was not entirely sure how to go about it. A friend then recommended he try the route of RPL at Unisa. This was one of the best recommendations of his life, he said, as he stood on the stairs of Unisa’s Theo van Wijk Building, tall and proud, donning his graduation gown and cap. It’s a moment he will never forget, he said with a huge smile.

Very bright future

Graduating with a Bachelor of Consumer Science from Unisa, and knowing that it all started with RPL still feels surreal for Rughoonundun. “I’m also very excited and grateful to Unisa for the RPL programme because it has opened the door for a very bright future me,” he said.

So what does the future have in store for Rughoonundun? He is confident that his new qualification will enable him to move into a higher managerial position at Transnet, where he currently works as a Lodge Manager. Here he is responsible for the day-to-day management of a lodge and its staff.  He is accountable for budgeting and financial management, planning, organising and directing all lodge services, including front-of-house (reception, reservations), food and beverage operations, housekeeping, and health and safety. Whilst this is a lot, he is ready for more and believes his qualification has come at the right time to take his career to the next level. “I could become a Regional Lodge Manager, who is in charge of about four lodges and hostels, and it is possible because I now have the qualifications to back up my experience,” he explained.

Gawtum Rughoonundun is pictured with Dr Marici Snyman (RPL Specialist: Department of Tuition Support, Unisa) who played a key role in his student journey.

Gawtum Rughoonundun is pictured with Dr Marici Snyman (RPL Specialist: Department of Tuition Support, Unisa) who played a key role in his student journey.

Having taken a slightly different route than the traditional student, Rughoonundun values this degree even more so. “Having this Unisa degree now will make it easier for me to move into higher positions and even a different career field if I choose. I’m well aware that most, if not all, senior managerial positions require you to have a degree.”

See also  Cipc banking details

Dr Marici Snyman, RPL Specialist from Unisa’s Department of Tuition Support, is confident about RPL because students like Rughoonundun prove that it works. She explained that RPL allows opportunities to students with work experience, since RPL is a way of recognising relevant skills, competencies, knowledge and learning that has taken place outside the formal education system. “This is an individualised process where we provide support throughout the process.  It values learning from experience, whereby reinforcing the worth of the individual and their experience,” she said.

Unisa has a dedicated RPL academic coordinator in each college. Snyman played a key role in Rughoonundun’s student journey when he did the RPL mature learner programme for access and applied for RPL credits for his Bachelor of Consumer Science through the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

About RPL

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

During your lifetime, you will have acquired various skills, competencies and experiences. This learning, which may have taken place outside of formal education and training, is valuable regardless of where or when it was obtained. You may have acquired skills or knowledge from a combination of training conducted while at work, experience you gained in the workplace, short courses or from community work in a relevant field. RPL permits you to gain credits within formal certificate, diploma and degree qualifications offered by Unisa based on the level and extent of your knowledge. Your prior learning will be measured against specified prescribed learning outcomes. Your experience could translate into subject credits within your qualification or direct access into a postgraduate qualification.

*By Kirosha Naicker

 


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.

See also  UNISA Short Course in Classification of Media Content 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:

  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.