Stellenbosch University Bursaries and Loans

By | September 9, 2020
0 Comment

Sport Bursaries:

A number of special bursaries are available for those who have excelled at sport. You may obtain further details of these bursaries from Maties Sport at 021 808 4642 or matiesport@sun.ac.za. The Sports bursaries are not included in the Bursaries and Loans Yearbook.

Maties Sport

Other Bursaries (all included in the Calendar):

A large number of general bursaries for study in any faculty, as well as bursaries for study in a specific faculty or department, are described in the Calendar​​ and are available to students who are academically deserving and/or financially needy.

​First-year merit bursaries

In respect of First-year Merit Bursaries, the criterion used is the actual average of a prospective student’s final Grade 12 exam results (calculated based on a combination of the six best subjects required to gain admission to Baccalaureus studies at a university, excluding Life Orientation and Mathematics Paper 3), as indicated by the respective education departments. ​​

Merit Bursaries are calculated as a percentage of the basic tuition fees (excluding module costs). Following registration and once results have been announced, an algorithm with a given budget amount and fixed budget parameters is used to calculate the amounts to be allocated. The calculated amounts are then automatically transferred to the beneficiaries’ student accounts in April.

The following scale is applicable to first-year merit bursaries

​Matric average​% rebate on basic tuition fees (excluding module cost and/or programme cost)*
​90% or higher ​up to 40%

​

*Module cost and/or programme cost, which may include the following: materials fees, laboratory fees, travelling expenses, running costs, programme levy and the membership dues for any faculty-bound, academic societies, as applicable to a programme or module. 

Important: Only students who completed their exam two or more years prior to the year in which they plan to join the University, as well as candidates who completed their exam outside the provincial education departments, are required to apply for these merit bursaries by submitting a certified copy of their matric certificate to the Undergraduate Bursary Office.​ The onus rests on the student to verify by June of the specific academic year in which they are entitled to a merit bursary to ensure that it reflects in their student fee account. The student will forfeit their claim to a merit bursary if it does not reflect in their account, and the student failed to notify the Centre by the end of August.

Senior Merit Bursaries

In respect of Senior Merit Bursaries, the criterion used is the weighted average of the exam results for the previous year of study. Senior Merit Bursaries are calculated as a percentage of basic tuition fees (excluding module costs and/or programme cost)*.  As the allocation of these bursaries is an automatic, computerised process, students do not need to submit an application.

*Module cost and/or programme cost, which may include the following: materials fees, laboratory fees, travelling expenses, running costs, programme levy and the membership dues for any faculty-bound, academic societies, as applicable to a programme or module. ​

See also  University of Fort Hare NSFAS Approved List

Senior merit bursaries are awarded to the top 5% per faculty. Qualifying students will receive a rebate of 20% on basic tuition fees (excluding module costs).

Criteria for merit bursaries:

Candidates for senior merit awards shall:

  • be senior undergraduate students of the University
  • be full time students of the University
  • take an appropriate degree programme
  • take the full number of modules prescribed for the year of study concerned
  • obtain a weighted aggregate of not less than 75% over the full academic year of the University (Note – if you studied at another institution and obtained an weighted aggregate of at least 75%, you may be considered for a SU senior merit bursary on a case by case bases)​

Important: The onus rests on the student to verify by June of the specific academic year in which they are entitled to a merit bursary to ensure that it reflects in their student fee account. The student will forfeit their claim to a merit bursary if it does not reflect in their account, and the student failed to notify the Centre by the end of August.

Cancellation or reduction of merit bursaries

US merit bursaries may not be kept in conjunction with an other bursary. The University reserves the right to decrease or cancel the offer accordingly.

The merit bursaries of students who discontinues their studies in the first semester, will be cancelled.

Merit bursaries to students that studied at other institutions

Students who studied at other institutions, do not qualify for First-year Merit Bursaries, but can be considered for Senior Merit Bursaries if their weighted average was 75% or higher. These students should submit their results to the Centre for Bursaries and Loans. ​

​Continuation of Recruitment Bursaries for current students:

Follow this link to view the continuation criteria for current Recruitment Bursary students.

Bursary loans for financially needy students

1. SU LOAN

The University offers tuition loans for students from the missing middle household. 

  • Loans for the income group between R350 000 – R600 000 (subject to availability of funds)
  • Households with income between R600 000 – R1 million with two / more children at a tertiary institution are also considered for a 50% tuition fee loan
  • Interest-free loans repayable at the prime interest rate
  • Only the tuition fee is covered by the US Loan (includes registration fee)

2. NSFAS BURSARY

Follow the NSFAS link: http://www.nsfas.org.za​

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
  • “Fully subsidized free higher education and training for poor and working class South Africans” – up to R350 000 household income per year
  • Bursaries are available only for new first-time admitted students to undergraduate studies at public higher education institutions
  • The bursary includes the following study costs: tuition, accommodation and books, cost allowance
See also  List of UNISA Advanced Diploma Courses Offered

​Closing dates for applications:

  • All bursary and loan a​pplications administered by the University: 31 August
  • Last day to submit all documents: ​11 September. No incomplete applications will be considered after this date
  • Private companies have different closing dates for their bursaries. See the Calendar ​​for the particulars.
  • NSFAS Bursary 30 November

 

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).
See also  Mascom Postal Address

🖥️ 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.

 

Related Posts: