UKZN Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine Fees Structure
| 1. Application Fee |
1.1 South African Undergraduate and Postgraduate applicants pay an application fee of R200 directly to the Central Applications Office (CAO) (R400
late fee). (Local applicants)
1.2 Returning students to UKZN pay an application fee of R200 directly to the University (R400 late fee). (Local applicants).
1.3 Application fees for international students are as follows:
- SADC R470
- Countries outside Africa $146
1.3 The application fee is non-refundable and does not form part of the tuition fees at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
| 2. Acceptance of Offer Fee |
If your application is successful, you will receive a letter offering you a place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. If you decide to accept the offer you must make a payment of R500 (for 2015) to the University in order to secure your place. This Acceptance of Offer fee is non-refundable and the amount may change for 2016
.
| 4. Provisional Fees (R3 750 for 2015) |
Provisional fees are payable before or at registration. At registration, you will make your final decisions about the courses/ subjects for which you will register. Tuition fees are charged per subject per semester. The Acceptance of Offer fee forms part of the R3 750 payable before registration.
| 5. Residence fees |
If offered accommodation in a University residence you will be required to make an initial payment of R2750 (In 2015) before registration to secure your room.
| 6. Balance of Fees (First Semester) |
After registration the actual costs for tuition fees for the first semester will be calculated. The R3 750 (R500+R3 250 for 2015) paid will be subtracted from the total and an account for the balance will be mailed to you. The balance of the first semester fees must be paid before the end of May.
| 7. Second Semester Fees |
Second semester fees are payable in full at the start of the second semester in August. Students who are registering for subjects for non-degree purposes, or for a reduced load, must contact the Student Fees Office or College Office to determine the correct amount payable.
| 8. Bursaries or Loans |
Students who have any form of bursary or loan must ensure that the funding is available at the time of registration. Proof of award must be submitted at the Student Funding Centre before registration. Students who have received financial assistance from the University must complete their load documentation at the Student Funding Centre before registration
| 9. Scholarships from University |
Qualifying students will receive letters advising them of their awards from the Scholarships Office before registration. Faculties will be notified of awards made for financial clearance purposes.
| Cost Of Study |
The cost of University education will vary according to individual circumstances, and students are advised to calculate carefully the total financial provision they must make.
You will also need to provide for books, stationery and equipment, personal expenses, laundry, transport, sports, subscriptions, medical expenses and, residence during short vacations.
When deciding where to study you should enquire about the cost of study and compare costs of different Universities in KZN. This will help you make realistic decisions to suit your financial means.
| Mode Of Payment |
1. Payment may be made by means of cheque or postal orders, direct deposit into the relevant University Banking Accounts, or by credit card.
2. The University offers a payment by instalment facility, by means of a debit order against a bank account, for students who are self-funded. Application may be made at the respective Student Fees Offices on each campus as soon as possible after selection and no later than at least a week before registration.
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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:
- 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.