How to access Office 365 e-mail off-campus
- Go to: https://outlook.office.com
- Username: s123456789@mandela.ac.za (i.e. your student number @mandela.ac.za)
- You will be directed to a Nelson Mandela University logon screen.
- Username: s123456789@mandela.ac.za (i.e. your student number @mandela.ac.za)
- Password: network password that you set yourself or that was given to you.
Find out more about the Office 365 ProPlus Software for Students license, which allows you to install the software on up to 5 devices.

nmu.edu Email
All Northern Michigan University students, faculty and staff are issued a User ID which is used to identify the user for computer & network access. See NMU ID Information for more information on services associated with the ID and type of university affiliate.
The NMU User ID provides email access with an address in the form of yourid@nmu.edu
- Accessing NMU email
- Home Space
- INBOX
- Email Forwarding
- Email Folders
- Trash Folders
- Anti-Virus
- SPAM Filtering
- Vacation Email
Accessing NMU Email
You can use webmail.nmu.edu to access your email online, or the server settings found here with most mail programs or applications. Below are the most common options for accessing your mail. Your account will be set up automatically with Outlook on your NMU laptop.
- Gmail
- Outlook (Your @nmu.edu account will be set up automatically on NMU laptops)
- Webmail.nmu.edu
- Smartphone Applications
Storage Space
Each user is granted 1GB of storage for their personal use on the mail server. This storage is shared by the user’s email folders, MyWeb pages, and personal data.
Incoming Email Size Limit
The email server imposes a 10 MB size limit on all incoming E-Mail. This is the maximum size of the entire email which includes message headers, text, and attachments
Inbox Folder
The @nmu.edu email is initially stored in the inbox. The inbox is exempt from the 1GB storage limit imposed on the users “home” storage. However, there is a retention policy that items may stay in the user’s inbox for a maximum of 21 days. Any to be saved more than 21 days must be moved from the inbox to another folder.
Email Forwarding
Email forwarding allows email designated for the @nmu.edu address to be directed to a different campus email address. Instructions for forwarding email can be found at our NMU Email Forwarding page.
Email Folders
@nmu.edu users can create folders to save the E-Mail which they wish to keep. Web based email software (SquirrelMail, Roundcube) keeps these email folders within the user’s alloted storage space. There is no default retention period on these folders, but the user can create their own retention period for these folders at https://myuser.nmu.edu/user (Options, E-Mail Folder Cleanup). Otherwise, the mail will remain in these folders.
To learn how to use and create folders for SquirrelMail or Roundcube, visit the respective link.
Trash Folders
When an email program is told to delete a piece of mail, the mail is often moved to a “Trash” folder. Different software may give different names to the “Trash” folder. The folder names of “Trash”, “Deleted”, and “Deleted Messages” are reserved/recognized as Trash folders for @nmu.edu users. Items in @nmu.edu trash folders will be kept for 42 days before they are permanently deleted. The user may set an alternative retention period for these folders at https://myuser.nmu.edu/user (Options, E-Mail Folder Cleanup). The maximum retention period for Trash folders is 90 days.
Anti-Virus
All incoming @nmu.edu email is scanned for virus attachments before being stored in the users INBOX. Any email containing a virus is discarded and is not delivered to the users INBOX.
SPAM Filtering
All @nmu.edu incoming email is processed by spam filtering software before being stored in the users INBOX. The user may adjust the aggressiveness of this software at https://myuser.nmu.edu/user (Options, SPAM Filtering). Both Outlook and the web based SquirrelMail (http://webmail.nmu.edu/sqmail) software allows for finer control of the spam filtering rules. Visit the Controlling Email Spam page to learn more about filtering spam.
Vacation Email
@nmu.edu users may create an auto-reply message to alert senders that they will be unavailable for a number of days and may not get sent mail. To learn how to set up vacation email responses, visit our Vacation Email page.
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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.
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.