Stellenbosch University PROGRAMMEs

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  1. For Stellenbosch University you may indicate three programmes because there are programmes with extensive selection processes and if you are not accepted to your first choice, you may still be accepted to your second or third choice.
  2. However, you can only be admitted to one programme at a time. If you are initially admitted to your second choice, and you are then admitted to your first choice, admission to your second choice will lapse. If you would rather continue with your second (or third) choice, you must let us know by the end of September at info@sun.ac.za. The offer you decline will expire.
  3. All our programmes have selection criteria, but the following programmes all have extensive selection processes: All programmes in the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Law; BA (Visual Arts); BA (Drama); BA (Music); BMus; BA (Sports Science); BSc (Sports Science); BEd (GenEd); BCom (Actuarial Science); and BCom (International Business). If your first programme choice is one of the abovementioned programmes, we recommend a second choice.
    1. If both your first and second choices are from the list of selection programmes above, we recommend that you indicate a third choice which is not from the list.
    2. Certain programmes such as BA, BSc, BCom or BEng have various fields of study. For example, in BA you can choose, amongst others, BA (Social Dynamics), BA (Law) or BA (Language and Culture). You must indicate the programme, as well as the field of study. If you do not indicate both the programme and the field of study, your application is incomplete.
  4. If you want to change your programme choice, send an email containing your request to info@sun.ac.za. Please remember that, after the closing date, you can be considered only if there are places available in the programme.
  5. To help you place your programme choice in the correct order, bear in mind the following:
Medicine and Health Sciences, and EducationThese faculties will consider your programme choice only if it is indicated as your first choice.
Law programmesSelection for the programmes BA (Law), BCom (Law) or BAccLLB will be considered only as your first programme choice. The undergraduate, four-year LLB programme will be considered if indicated as a first or a second choice on your application.
Arts and Social SciencesThe Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences will consider only first and second choices. Third choices will only be considered if the first and second choices are from the list of selection programmes above. You will only be considered for BA (Sport Science) if it is your first or second choice.
Economic and Management Sciences (EMS)This faculty will consider first, second or third programme choices. If you have more than one EMS programme on your list, EMS will consider them in your order of preference. This does not include BCom (International Business), BCom (Actuarial Science) BAccLLB and BCom (Law). For these programmes, your application will be considered only as a first choice.
AgriSciencesThis faculty will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice, with the exception of BSc Food Science (or any programme with Food as a subject) as well as BScAgric (Animal Science). For these programmes, your application will be considered only as a first or second choice.
Science, Engineering, and TheologyThese faculties will consider your application for one of their programmes as a first, second or third choice. The programmes in Biological Sciences will, however, not be considered as a third choice. You may apply for more than one BEng programme, e.g. BEng (Civil) as first choice and BEng (Industrial) as second, since their selection criteria may differ.​

 

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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:

  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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