You can verify your educational qualifications on the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) via SAQA VeriSearch at the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) .
All communication for verification services should be done electronically:
- Clients that have a legal contract with SAQA for verifications must send an email to verifications@saqa.org.za
- Individual requests for verification letters must be sent to verificationsletter@saqa.org.za
No emails should be sent to individual SAQA staff members as this results in duplication and lengthens the verification process.
What is an Extract from the National Learners’ Records Database and how different is it from a Verification Letter?
An extract from the National Learners’ Records Database (NLRD) is a copy of the information recorded under your name on the NLRD. It may not contain all the qualifications or part-qualifications you obtained. SAQA strives to keep the NLRD up-to-date.
Qualifications and part-qualifications are only recorded on the NLRD after they have been quality-assured and authenticated. An Extract from the NLRD is not a verification as it may not contain all your achievements.
How long does it take to verify a South African qualification?
Verification takes from 2 to 20 working days depending on the priority selected and availability of the record on the NLRD. The standard for verification is to find a result within 20 working days where after the request will be closed as “inconclusive”. You will pay the discounted tariff if it takes longer than the requested priority to finalise the verification.
SAQA receive data from all registered education institutions and can find the achievement record with fieldwork even if it is not recorded on the NLRD yet. However, some qualifications are difficult to verify as they are stored in archives.
What are the different verification services that SAQA offers?
SAQA offers the following verification services to employers, learners, and other clients at a cost.
- Verification Letters for individuals
This service is for individuals who need a verification letter confirming their tertiary qualifications obtained in South Africa. The verification letter is for qualifications or part qualifications registered on the NQF and NOT for short courses and professional designations.
To access this service click on this link: http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/Individuals.aspx
- Private Sector Clients (Employers)
This service is for Private Sector Employers who want to authenticate the qualifications of candidates or existing employees. Short courses and professional designations are not included in this service. The evaluation of foreign qualifications is a separate service.
To access the services and the procedures to follow, you can click on the link http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/ClientMenuPage.aspx
- Public Sector Clients (Employers)
This service is for Public Sector Employers who want to authenticate the qualifications of candidates or existing employees. Short courses and professional designations are not included in this service. The evaluation of foreign qualifications is a separate service.
To access the services and the procedures to follow, you can click on this link:
- What is VeriSearch?
VeriSearch is the access portal for verification clients that signed a contract with SAQA where they can access their verification results in a secure and confidential environment.
Only employees authorised by the client may access this portal by following this link:
http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fSearchPage.aspx
What do I need to know about the verification of South African qualifications?
SAQA verifies the authenticity of South African qualifications for employers or individuals. You can access this service by following this link: http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/
The verification result can be in the form of a letter to be legalised by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to enable an employer to make an appointment.
The verification is done at a cost related to the request and priority selected by the client. The tariffs are adjusted annually on 1 April and can be viewed by following this link: http://verisearch.saqa.org.za/
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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.