SACE Document

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS and Documents

  1. Qualified educators with Professional Teaching Qualification: Full Registration
    1. Fully completed SACE application form (Original Form)
    2. Certified copies of a complete academic record stating that the qualification has been completed and indicating the date of graduation together with the certified copy of the professional qualification (graduation certificate)
    3. Educators with Diplomas in Grade R must also submit a matric certificate or an ECD level 4 certificate together with a complete academic record.  
    4. Certified copy of NSC or Matric certificate
    5. Certified copy of identity document.
    6. In the situation where a qualification certificate has been lost, a declaration from the institution where the qualification was issued or Department of Education stating that the qualification was completed and the certificate was issued during a graduation ceremony.  This document must be on the institution’s letter head, dated, signed and stamped.
    7. All of the above mentioned documents must be submitted before the SACE certificate can be issued. 
    8. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
    9. Note that all the above document must be submitted before the SACE certificate can be issued (no exceptions).
  2. Provisional Registration (Student educators only)
    1. A fully completed SACE application form. (Original form)
    2. Certified copy of NSC or a matric certificate.
    3. Certified copy of an identity document.
    4. Certified copy of the proof of registration for the current academic year for education qualification.  Proof of registration must be an official document issued by the University, on the University letter head with a signature and a University stamp. (A Computer printout will not be accepted).
    5. For those who are studying towards a PGCE, we need proof of registration for the current academic year together with the previous academic qualification and a complete academic record stating that the qualification has been completed. 
    6. Letter of employment from a prospective/current employer in a school applicable to all 1st – 3rd year students studying towards a teaching qualification. The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted).  NO FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
    7. Please note that provisional registration is for student educators only. 
  3. Person not in possession of a Professional Teacher Qualification 
    1. Fully completed SACE application form. (Original Form)
    2. Certified copy of NSC or matric certificate.
    3. Certified copies of a complete academic record stating that the qualification has been completed and indicating the date of graduation together with a certified copy of the academic qualification (graduation certificate – no exceptions) and/ or proof of registration for PGCE for the current academic year.  Proof of registration must be an official document issued by the University, on the University letterhead with a signature and a University stamp.  (A Computer printout will not be accepted). 
    4. Certified copy of identity document.
    5. Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    6. Proof that the school is registered by the Department of Basic Education, that is, certificate of registration with EMIS number;
    7. Therapists and Psychologists must submit a certified copy of a valid registration card from the HPCSA for the current year (proof of payment and any other document will not be accepted.)
    8. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  4. Foreign educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form. (Original form)
    2. Certified copy of matric certificate.
    3. Original Evaluation Report (of foreign qualifications) from either the DHE or SAQA must accompany the application form.
    4. Certified copies of a completed academic record together with a certified copy of academic and professional qualifications as submitted to SAQA.
    5. Certified copy of the proof of registration (in SA) for the current academic year for an education qualification for student educators.  Proof of registration must be an official document issued by the University, on the University letter head with a signature and a University stamp. (No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED).
    6. Certified copy of  valid passport and work permit OR a valid proof of a refugee permit together with a refugee ID. 
    7. Certified copy of police clearance certificate (not older than 6 months).
    8. Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school in SA) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    9. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  5. ECD Practitioners 
    1. Fully completed SACE application form. (Original form)
    2. Certified copy of a complete ECD Higher certificate with 120 credits for Level 4 and 240 credits for level 5.
    3. Certified copy of an Identity Document.
    4. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  6. AET Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form. (Original Form)
    2. Certified copy of a completed AET certificate with 120 credits for Level 4 and 240 credits for level 5. 
    3. Certified copy of an AET diploma and a certified copy of matric certificate. 
    4. Certified copy of an Identity Document.
    5. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  7. FET Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form. (Original form)
    2. Certified copies of N3 plus Trade Test OR
    3. Certified copies of N6 National Diploma and matric certificate. 
    4. Letter of recommendation from the Employer. (A contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    5. Certified copy of an Identity Document.   
    6. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  8. Montessori Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form (Original Form)
    2. Certified copy of a Montessori Diploma
    3. Certified copy of an Identity Document.   
    4. Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    5. NO INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
  9. Waldorf Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form (Original Form)
    2. A certified copy of  Waldorf Qualifications.
    3. Certified copy of an Identity Document.   
    4. Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract o f employment will not be accepted). 
    5. NO INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
  10. Islamic Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form (Original Form)
    2. Certified copy of Islamic Qualifications.
    3. Certified copy of an Identity Document.   
    4. Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    5. NO INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
  11. Catholic Educators
    1. Fully completed SACE application form
    2. Certified copy of Diploma in Theology and academic records.
    3. Certified copy of Matric/ grade 12.
    4. Certified copy of identity document.
    5. A registration fee of R200 for SA citizens and R400 for Non- SA citizen
    6. Completed Certificate / Degree or Diploma in Theology & academic record
    7. Letter of recommendation from the Employer (Contract of employment will not be accepted)
    8. NO INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  12. Replacement of a lost certificate or any proof of registration
    1. A letter of request 
    2. Certified copy of an Identity Document 
    3. R50
    4. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  13. Provisional Registration: Updates
    1. Old SACE letter
    2. Fee of R50
    3. Certified copy of ID 
    4. Letter of employment from a prospective/current employer in a school applicable to all 1st – 3rd year students studying towards a teaching qualification AND those with only academic qualifications. The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract will not be accepted).  NO FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
    5. Those without teaching qualifications a Letter of recommendation from a prospective employer or current (at a school) stating the grades and learning areas.  The letter should be an original, on the school letter head, with an original signature and a school stamp (a contract of employment will not be accepted). 
    6. Passport and valid proof of legal entry into South Africa for non-SA citizens and a letter of employment from a school in South Africa. 
    7. Valid police clearance certificate (Not older than six months old)
    8. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 
  14. Registration Fees and other fees
    1. The application for registration must be accompanied by a registration fee of R200.00 for South African Educators 
    2. R400.00 for Foreign Educators.
    3. The annual levy is R180.00. (R15 per month)
    4. No application will be processed without proof of payment. 
  15. Please note that:
    1. SACE application form must be completed in black pen only and must be an original.
    2. Only the applicant can complete the SACE application form.
    3. Certification stamp must be an original, clear, state that it is a true copy of the original, be dated and signed (copies of certification will not be accepted).
    4. Only certification done by Commissioners of Oaths, SAPS and Post office will be accepted.
    5. Certification should not be older than 3 months.
    6. Copies of certified documents will not be accepted (no exceptions will be made)
    7. No INTERNET, FAXED OR EMAILED DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 

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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:

  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.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. 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.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. 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:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 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.

 

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