The MANCOSA Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Further Education and Training.
Teaching is a 18-month programme aimed at developing graduates who wish to become school teachers. Teaching choices may be selected from a list of specialisations offered by MANCOSA.
Admission requirements
The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate or an NQF level 4 National Certificate (Vocational) with endorsement for entry into the study of a Bachelor’s Degree; appropriate subject combinations and levels of competence as determined by the specialisation requirements.
Teachers who are in possession of a recognised Certificate or Diploma in Education or any other relevant fields may also present their qualifications for admission into the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), with a possibility of a transfer of credits in cognate previous studies.
The MANCOSA RPL policy will be used to determine the level of progression into the B.Ed degree and/or the credit accumulation towards the B.Ed degree.
Programme structure
Year 1:
Semester 1
- Introduction to Education Studies 101
- South African School Education System 101
- FET Subjects (choose two FET subjects)
* Accounting FET 111
* Business Studies FET 121
* Economics FET 131
* Mathematics FET 141
* English FET 151
* isiZulu FET 161 - Senior Phase Subject (take one SP subject that is underpinned by your FET subject choice)
* Economic and Management Sciences SP 111
* Mathematics SP 121
* English SP 131
* isiZulu SP 141
Semester 2
- Education Studies 102: Curriculum Studies
- English Communication 102
- isiZulu Conversational 102
- Senior Phase Subject (continue with SP subject specialisation)
* Economic and Management Sciences SP 112
* Mathematics SP 122
* English SP 132
* isiZulu SP 142
Year 2:
Semester 1
- Education Studies 201: Teaching and Learning
- FET Subjects (continue with both FET subjects chosen)
* Accounting FET 211
* Business Studies FET 221
* Economics FET 231
* Mathematics FET 241
* English FET 251
* isiZulu FET 261
Semester 2
- Teaching Practice 202
- Education Studies 202: Sociology of Education
- Senior Phase Subject Method (take the method module for the SP specialisation chosen)
* Economic and Management Sciences Method SP 212
* Mathematics Method SP 222
* English Method SP 232
* isiZulu Method SP 242
Year modules
FET Subject Method
(subject method for the
both FET subjects
specialisation)
* Accounting Method FET 210
* Business Studies Method FET 220
* Economics Method FET 230
* Mathematics Method FET 240
* English Method FET 250
* isiZulu Method FET 260
Year 3:Semester 1
- Education Studies 301: Psychology of Education
- FET Subjects (continue with both FET subjects chosen)* Accounting FET 311
* Business Studies FET 321
* Economics FET 331
* Mathematics FET 341
* English FET 351
* isiZulu FET 361 - Senior Phase Subject (take the method module for the SP specialisation chosen)
* Economic and Management Sciences Method SP 311
* Mathematics Method SP 321
* English Method SP 331
* isiZulu Method SP 341
Semester 2
- Teaching Practice 302
- Senior Phase Subject (continue with SP subject specialisation)
* Economic and Management Sciences SP 312
* Mathematics SP 322
* English SP 332
* isiZulu SP 342
Year modules
FET Subject Method
(subject method for the
both FET subjects
specialisation)
* Accounting Method FET 310
* Business Studies Method FET 320
* Economics Method FET 330
* Mathematics Method FET 340
* English Method SP 350
* isiZulu Method SP 360
Year 4:Semester 1
- Researching Teaching and Learning 401
- FET Subject (continue with both FET subjects chosen)
* Accounting FET 411
* Business Studies FET 421
* Economics FET 431
* Mathematics FET 441
* English FET 451
* isiZulu FET 461
Semester 2
- Education Studies 402: Philosophy of Education
- Senior Phase Subject (continue with SP subject specialisation)
* Economic and Management Sciences Method SP 412
* Mathematics Method SP 422
* English Method SP 432
* isiZulu Method SP 442
Year modules
- Teaching Practice 400
- FET Subject Method
(subject method for the
both FET subjects
specialisation)* Accounting Method FET 410
* Business Studies Method FET 420
* Economics Method FET 430
* Mathematics Method FET 440
* English Method FET 450
* isiZulu Method FET 460
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education programme, the student should be able to:
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Ask a Question- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of theories and principles that inform teaching and learning;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the diverse context in which teaching and learning takes place within the South African school system;
- Develop and understanding of a learner-centred pedagogy to meet the diverse learner needs and contextual variations of the country;
- Demonstrate their ability to plan lessons for teaching incorporating the use of teaching and learning technologies to facilitate effective learning;
- Be familiar with the prevailing school and curriculum policies that inform teaching practices;
- Be able to demonstrate the skills in teaching of the specialisation subjects taking cognisance of the teaching context, educational infrastructure and school resources across the diverse schooling context that is prevalent within South African communities;
- Be able to communicate effectively in class through the medium of English;
- Be able to converse with learners in one of the indigenous African languages.
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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.
-
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.