- The table below explains how well you will need to do in your school subjects to meet the minimum statutory requirements for each qualification level (Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree)
- The university has also set its own additional minimum entry requirements.
- Please note that the achievement of the minimum statutory entry requirements does not necessarily guarantee you admission to any programme or field of study at this University.
Qualification | Minimum Statutory Entry Requirement |
---|---|
Higher Certificate | Pass NSC with: A minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, together with any other university requirements. |
Diploma | Pass NSC with: A minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (40–49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects (this excludes LO which is 10-credits), together with any other university requirements. |
Bachelors Degree | Pass NSC with: A minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects (this excludes LO which is 10-credits), together with any other university requirements. |
*(LOTL) Language of Teaching & Learning, which is English at Nelson Mandela University.
Designated subjects
As per the Government Gazette Notice No.165 No. 41473 dated March 2018, the list of designated subjects has been revoked with immediate effect. Subsequent to this announcement, the revised admission requirements for degree entry as they pertain to Nelson Mandela University, are further explained below:
- Applicants must meet the minimum statutory entry requirements for each type of qualification they wish to apply for as stated above.
- The University may add additional subject specific requirements for certain qualifications.
- Applicants will also need to comply with the Applicant Score (AS), subject(s) and percentage % pass required for specific subjects which may be required for certain qualifications, before a final decision will be made of the outcome of his/her application.
- Any recognised 20-credit NSC subject combinations (dependant on school capacity) can be used towards applying for degree studies (this excludes LO which is 10-credits), provided that each of these four subjects are also passed on a level 4 (50-59%) or higher.
How to calculate your Applicant Score (AS)
- Your Applicant Score (AS) will be different if you took Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics at school.
- Your Applicant Score (AS) is calculated using six subjects. Please note that Life Orientation (LO) is excluded.
- Write down your Grade 12 subjects and the most recent percentage (%) obtained in each subject (NO Gr 12 March results).
- You MUST include the results for the following three fundamental subjects: 1) Home language; 2) 1st Add. Language; and 3) Maths; or Maths Lit; or Technical Maths.
- For applicants with seven Grade 12 NSC/IEB subjects, your AS is calculated by adding the percentages for your six 20-credit subjects (Note that LO is not included as it is a 10-credit subject). This gives a score out of 600.
- For those applicants taking eight or more subjects your AS is calculated as follows: add the percentages obtained for your three fundamental subjects (two languages and Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics), plus the percentage(s) for any subject(s) required by the programme, together with the percentage(s) for the next best / highest subject(s), to a maximum of six subjects.
- In addition, for those applicants from quintile 1 to 3 schools who attain 50% or higher for Life Orientation (LO), 7 points are added to their score out of 600 to arrive at their final AS.
- If your Applicant Score (AS) & subject requirements are below the minimum required, you will need to consider another qualification for which you do qualify.
* All South African public ordinary schools are categorised into five groups, called quintiles. Quintile 1 to 3 are non-fee paying schools, while Quintile 4 & 5 are fee paying schools.
The table below provides examples of how to calculate the AS for:
- Applicant 1 who has 7 NSC Grade 12 subjects, who is applying for a programme with Life Science and Physical Science as required subjects; and
- Applicant 2 who is applying for the same programme, but who took 8 subjects in Grade 12.
- Applicant 3 who is applying for the same programme, but who is from a quintile 1, 2 or 3 school.
Example: Applicant 1
NSC/IEB Subject | % obtained | % used to calculate the AS |
---|---|---|
isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
Life Science | 62 | 62 |
Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
Geography | 55 | 55 |
Life Orientation | 88 | – |
APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 370 |
Example: Applicant 2
NSC/IEB Subject | % obtained | % used to calculate the AS |
---|---|---|
isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
Life Science | 62 | 62 |
Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
Geography | 55 | – |
Life Orientation | 88 | – |
History | 60 | 60 |
APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 375 |
Example: Applicant 3 from a Quintile 1, 2 or 3 school
NSC/IEB Subject | % obtained | % used to calculate the AS |
---|---|---|
isiXhosa Home Language | 78 | 78 |
English 1st Additional | 60 | 60 |
Mathematics | 65 | 65 |
Life Science | 62 | 62 |
Physical Science | 50 | 50 |
Geography | 55 | 55 |
Life Orientation | 88 LO>50% | + 7 |
APPLICANT SCORE (AS) | 377 |
Disclaimer: All reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that the information contained on the website is accurate at the date it was published. Nelson Mandela University reserves the right to make changes to the programme details (e.g. rules, admissions requirements) as published on this website. Prospective students are advised to consult the admissions department prior to applying.
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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.
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- 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
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Submit Your Application
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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:
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- 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.
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- 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.