Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

Focusing on the health care needs of South-Africa, the postgraduate diploma develops knowledge and skills in one of the specialist areas of nursing listed below. The programme promotes critical-analytical thinking and equips students with the basic principles and skills of research methodology. The programme is taught in English through self-directed learning by blending traditional contact teaching and learning sessions with sessions presented via Stellenbosch University’s telematic platform. For the objectives and outcomes of this Postgraduate Diploma see our Calendar entry.

Specialist areas

To see the curriculums of the various streams (specialist areas) of nursing, please follow the links to our Calendar below.

Non-clinical programmes

. Nursing Education covers a specialist area in nursing science of the student’s choice and equips him or her with the knowledge and clinical skills to practice effectively in this area. In addition, students learn to manage the clinical training and education of nursing students, to develop nursing curricula, to apply nursing education practice, to facilitate teaching and learning strategies and to master assessment.

. Nursing Management equips current and potential nurse managers in the health service with knowledge and skills regarding the management process, policy making, health economics and financial planning. More so to provide information on human resource management, labour relations and risk management in an ever-changing health service environment. Although nursing management is a non-clinical specialisation, the programme includes compulsory practical work of 90 one-hour periods as required by the South African Nursing Council. See the relevant regulation here.

Course coordinator: Anneleen Damons

Tel: +27 21 938 9826 / 9036

Clinical programmes

Our clinical specialisations are offered by means of contact sessions (residential) with only certain modules on the telematic technology platform. Students are required to attend contact sessions on the Tygerberg campus and to be able to gain clinical experience in the Cape Town area at approved clinical facilities.

. Critical Care Nursing

. Advanced Midwifery and Neonatology

. Operating Room Nursing

. Primary Health Care Nursing

. Advanced Psychiatric Nursing enables students to improve and enhance their conceptual, diagnostic and therapeutic skills, as well as their contextually appropriate mental health knowledge, in order to function effectively as a mental health nurse clinical specialist.

Assessment

Each module is assessed separately with a minimum pass mark of 50%. The final mark of the programme is calculated based on the relative weighting of each module as indicated by its credit value. See our Calendar entries for these by following the links supplied for each programme under “Specialist areas”. Read more about assessment here.

Written examinations are sat for during the first 2 weeks of June (first-semester modules) and the first 2 weeks of November (second- semester modules).

Admission requirements

See admission requirements here.

Cost of the programme

Prospective students wishing to estimate fees and budget for the academic year, may request a provisional fees statement by following the “Fees” tab above and, under the button “Provisional fees statement”, selecting “Distance education PG”.

Application information

To apply, use the link “e online applications” below, where the closing date for application is also shown.

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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.
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  • 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.
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📄 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.
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  5. Upload Required Documents

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  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
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  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
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🗓️ 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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