Sol Plaatje University (SPU), established in 2014, is the first university in post-apartheid South Africa and the first higher education institution in the Northern Cape Province. Strategically located in Kimberley, SPU is a city university offering cutting-edge academic programs tailored to meet the unique needs of the region and beyond.
- Is SPU open for 2026 application?
- What is the aps score for SPU teaching?
- Is SPU funded by Nsfas?
- Is there an application fee for sol plaatje 2026?
- How much is the SPU application fee?
- Can I study teaching with 21 APS score?
- Does SPU offer Diploma courses?
- Does SPU have on campus housing?
- How much does NSFAS pay?
- Is Sol Plaatje a private or public university?
SPU positions itself as a niche university by offering innovative programs aligned with the heritage, needs, and aspirations of South Africa. Its academic focus areas include:
- Teacher Education
- ICT and Data Science
- Heritage Studies
- Paleo-Sciences
- Creative Writing in African Languages
With global challenges like climate change in mind, SPU is also planning programs in agricultural sciences, particularly for water-stressed regions like the Northern Cape.
2. Proud Heritage
Named after Sol Plaatje, a visionary South African intellectual, SPU embodies his values of intellectual curiosity, democracy, and social justice. The institution takes pride in its role as a transformative force in South Africa’s higher education landscape.
3. A Vibrant Campus Experience
SPU’s architectural design merges modern aesthetics with cultural significance, creating a campus that reflects the heritage of the Northern Cape. The university’s central location in Kimberley fosters dynamic partnerships between the institution and the local community, making it an integral part of the city’s development.
Programs and Faculties
SPU offers diverse academic programs across four main faculties:
- Education
Contact: Ms. Chanelle Boraine
Email: EDU_Applications@spu.ac.za - Economic and Management Sciences
Contact: Ms. Boitumelo Mabija
Email: EMS_Applications@spu.ac.za - Humanities
Contact: Ms. Ntshepeng Makoko
Email: HUM_Applications@spu.ac.za - Natural and Applied Sciences
Contact: Ms. Unathi Mqongwana
Email: NAS_Applications@spu.ac.za
For details on student recruitment, email studentrecruitment@spu.ac.za.
SPU’s Mission and Vision
SPU is committed to:
- Graduating competent and socially responsible citizens.
- Conducting regionally impactful research.
- Collaborating with communities to drive equitable development.
Its guiding values include academic freedom, community engagement, and intellectual integrity.
Campus Locations
- SPU Central Campus
Address: 24-26 Scanlan St, New Park, Kimberley, 8301 - SPU North Campus
Address: 10 Jan Smuts Blvd, Civic Centre, Kimberley, 8300 - SPU South Campus
Address: 150 Reservoir Rd, New Park, Kimberley, 8301
Contact Information
For general inquiries:
Switchboard: +27 (0)53 491 0000
Email: information@spu.ac.za
Funding Assistance
Contact Ms. Chrizelle Mally at chrizelle.mally@spu.ac.za or Ms. Malebo Tshelane at malebo.tshelane@spu.ac.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.