New TV ad from Unisa follows life of a distance learner

By | July 14, 2016
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Net#work BBDO has designed a new television commercial (TVC) for Unisa to launch and reinforce its new brand proposition – Define Tomorrow, using the story of the tenacity of a Unisa student who, unlike most university students, accesses his higher education through online and distance learning.

Brad Reilly, ECD of the agency, says, “Many Unisa students have dual lives to support themselves and the people around them. It is a tough and highly admirable situation driven mainly by the need to make the most of themselves and ultimately, define their tomorrow.”“Our strategic and creative intent was to amplify the significant value of a Unisa degree and its social impact. Through distance and online learning, it is able to provide access to higher education to those tenacious individuals who have no means or resources to acquire a degree on a full time basis. All students undertake their own version of hardship to achieve a degree and the university has developed a unique breed of doers, thinkers and pioneers in the process.“The overarching theme for the treatment is authenticity. We tried to bring that through the treatment as much as possible. We shot predominantly at night in the streets of Johannesburg using the light that was available to us and limiting any artificial lighting. We did not want to overcomplicate things stylistically and kept the grade close to what we saw on the camera.”The commercial opens depicting the challenges faced by a late night cab driver who, on returning home in the morning, immediately starts a day of studying, while still caring for his young son. Before long the day is over and he is off again to start an evening long shift carrying partygoers around town. Each morning his father is waiting for him to return until one morning when he is not there. He enters the house, to be greeted by his parents and son who proudly presents Unisa correspondence to him—and confirmation of a pass.

The musical arrangement was created in collaboration with Audio Militia and acts as the emotional thread throughout the film.

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“In keeping with the authenticity we want portrayed in the piece—the track was recorded using actual instruments and we feel it helps to understand what the character is going through,” concludes Reilly.

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*This article first appeared on Bizcommunity. The TVC is also Tilman Gerald’s Ad of the Week!

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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.
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  • 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).
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📚 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.
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  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
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  6. Submit Your Application

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    • 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:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
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📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
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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.

 

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