OCSA Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing 2026 intake
Highly acclaimed, highly recommended
One of the most astounding exports from the OCSA Academy of Excellence is our highly acclaimed South African accredited Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing. We equip and empower nursing practitioners with the skills, knowledge and attitude to:
practice in the occupational health field
- promote and maintain health for employees
- prevent illness and work-related disease
- protect employees from work‐related and environmental hazards
Application forms available from trainingdesk@ocsa.co.za
What our graduates say!
Top graduate – Liza Doubell
Twenty years of experience in Occupational Health (OH), a B Soc Sc Degree in Nursing, and many courses behind her, Liza Doubell might have been comfortable in thinking she had learned everything she needs to know. But there was one thing missing for this consummate professional who is the Team Leader of OH for Johnson Matthey, South Africa: That all important piece of paper formalising your qualification. “For years there has not been anything close to OCSA’s OH course,” says Liza. “When I read the prospectus on this Diploma, the course content seemed so comprehensive that I decided to enrol. In my opinion this is the most intensive OH course in South Africa.”Liza surprised herself by being the top student, achieving three distinctions for OCSA’s new Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing. She stood amongst 22 proud graduates on 2 March 2011 as they made history for OCSA as the first group of Diploma students to graduate from our Academy of Excellence.
Liza Doubell says one of the challenges about the course is for students to obtain 500 hours of experiential training and she has already taken-on course students into her company’s OH facility to support and mentor them through the practical part of the course. She has also recently employed fellow graduate, Joanna Chatzkelowitz. “Getting to know colleagues in practice is a powerful thing, and sharing experience and knowledge within the framework of this course was valuable. We got to know one another as a group, and a professional bond is the outcome. Nothing is compromised with this course and the result is that we are building up a body of independent professionals who excel in this exciting industry.”
Achieving with distinction – Ruma Singh
Ruma Singh, an OH practitioner at Occusure thoroughly enjoys her work and decided on taking OCSA’s Diploma. “I was totally in awe when I learnt that I passed, so much so that I kept very quiet about my results until I was told that I needed to hand in experential records to graduate. My distinction was totally unexpected. I am ecstatic about it,” says Ruma who started nursing in 1983, moved into midwifery and then onto community nursing in 1991 and psychology in 1995. She has worked in the occupational health environment for nine years. “I have done a fair amount of studying and OCSA’s lecturers stand out. When you have a lecturer with a great teaching style and an absolute passion for occupational health, it gives you the confidence to believe you could go out and make a difference,” says Ruma, single mother of two. She had a tough challenge last year fitting in this diploma and is a great inspiration: “For prospective students, don’t stop working at it, have fun and ask for help; it is always there.” She said the content was relevant with a few excellent choices in visiting lecturers.
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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.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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.