Stenden University South Africa Application 2026
Please read the following information carefully before starting the application procedure. Should you have any questions, we are happy to help you!
Application Deadlines
September Start
EU/EER Applicants: 15 August
Non-EU Applicants: 31 May
February Start
EU/EER Applicants: 17 January
Non-EU Applicants: 31 October
Please note: The visa process for Bangladeshi, Nepalese or Pakistani nationals takes three months which extends the total length of the application procedure to five months. Consequently, the application deadlines for these students differ from the regular deadline:
- September intake deadline: 31 March
- February intake deadline: 31 August
Application procedure
The following videos summarize the different steps in the application procedure for EU/EER nationals and Non-EU nationals to help you get started with your application. Before starting with the application procedure make sure to read the details of each step as listed below.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionReady to apply?
Follow the steps as mentioned below and your application will soon be on its way. The International Office (io@stenden.com) at Stenden will guide you through the process and make sure your application is processed as soon as possible.
Step 1 – Check the admission requirements
Will you hold the required diploma and will you satisfy the other requirements for the study programme of your choice before the start date? Will you be required to take an entrance examination or attend an admission interview as part of the application process? Be sure to check the information about your preferred course so that you are well-informed about what lies ahead.
Admission Requirements
Step 2 – Register on Studielink
You can apply through Studielink, the application and enrolment portal provided by the Netherlands Ministry of Education. Complete the following steps:
- Go to Studielink.
- Login to your account or create an account if you currently do not have one. You will have access to your own personal Studielink page.
- Click on ‘Add previous education’ (if you haven’t already done that) and add the previous education that provides admission to the study programme that you wish to follow.
- Click on ‘Add new enrolment’ or ‘Enrolment application’.
- Select your preferred course and confirm your choice.
- Enter the starting month in which you would like to start your programme.
- Next, confirm your starting date.
- Answer the study programme-specific questions.
- Tick the confirmation box and confirm your application.
- Enter your payment details for payment of the tuition fees, and confirm again. If you prefer, you can enter this information at a later date, provided you do so before enrolment.
- You can track the status of your application on your personal Studielink page
Once Stenden has received your application, you will receive a message from Studielink confirming the following information:
- The Stenden course(s) for which you have applied
- The admission interview or selection process
- Any other information you may be required to provide
Step 3 – Submit application documents (within 2 weeks)
Submit application documents via the Online Portal
A few days after you submit your application, you will receive an email request from the International Office to submit your application documents via an Online Portal.
In this email you will find the log in data for the online portal and a list of documents to be submitted:
- Copies of your passport.
- Secondary school diploma or graduation statement (see below).
- Certificate of English-language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) if applicable.
Graduation statement
If you have not graduated yet, you may submit a graduation statement (PDF) instead. Please fill in the document and have your university sign and stamp it. Then, upload a copy or scan of this document to the iGo portal.
Admission requirements check
Once we have received all the required documents from you, we will verify that you meet all the admission requirements. We will notify you if we find that you still need to take an English-language proficiency test or send any additional documents.
You can trace the application status via the Online Portal.
Letter of Offer
Once you have sent us all the documents required and we have established that you satisfy all the admission requirements, we will send you a formal letter of admission conforming that you have been accepted as a student at our institution. Along with this admission letter, you will receive practical information about accommodation and tuition fees.
Step 4 – Finalize your application
Payment (EU students)
If you are from a EU/EER Member State:
- Check that your bank is able to process international (SEPA) payments.
- Go to your personal Studielink page and follow the instructions provided.
- Have you set up a direct debit mandate and confirmed your payment details? Congratulations! Your enrolment is now complete and you are all set to start your course.
Payment and student visa (non-EU students)
If you are from a non-EU Member State, you must transfer the course fees to Stenden; you should have received an invoice for this purpose.
Once we have received your payment and have verified that you meet the visa requirements, we will apply for a student visa on your behalf. After approximately four weeks, you will receive a notification that you can collect your visa from the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in your country. For additional information about applying for a student visa, please visit the website of the Netherlands Organisation for International Cooperation in Higher Education (Nuffic).
Proof of sufficient financial means (non-EU students)
As a student from outside the European Union, you are obliged to provide Stenden with proof that you will be able to finance your stay in the Netherlands. You may do so in one of the following two ways:
- A money transfer of € 10.750 to Stenden’s bank account, which will be refunded upon your arrival after you have opened a Dutch bank account.
- Proof of a scholarship amounting to at least € 10.750.
Get help applying
Stenden maintains a network of education agents around the globe. They offer a range of services to help you with your application process. You are free to choose whether you use the services of a Stenden agent or to apply directly to Stenden yourself.
Please note that they may charge you for their services. The costs depend on the services offered, and differ by country. Should you wish help applying, please contact the representative or agent of your choice for more information.
Further information
Information about your course
When does my course start? Where do I need to report? What books do I need? You will find answers to all these questions in the course information you will receive two months before study start.
StudyStartWeek
But before it’s time to get stuck into the books, you can look forward to Stenden’s annual fresher’s week, known as the StudyStartWeek!
Related Resources
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.