UKZN Online Application

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a seamless online application process for prospective students wishing to join the esteemed institution in the 2024/2026 academic year. Whether you’re a South African citizen or an international applicant, this guide will walk you through the steps to successfully complete your online application.

Step 1: Visit the UKZN Application Website

Start your application journey by visiting the UKZN online application portal. On the homepage, click on the “Start a new application” button to begin the process.

Step 2: Create Your Account

After clicking the application button, you will be prompted to create an account. Here, you will need to enter personal details such as your name, date of birth, and email address. Ensure you provide accurate information to avoid issues later in the process.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Once your account is set up, you will be directed to the online application form. This comprehensive form requires you to fill in your personal information, academic history, and the specific program you wish to pursue. Take your time to ensure all details are correct and complete.

Step 4: Upload the Required Documents

To complete your application, you will need to upload several documents. These include:

  • A certified copy of your ID/passport.
  • A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate.
  • For international applicants, proof from Universities South Africa confirming your eligibility for admission.
  • Proof of English proficiency for applicants from non-English speaking countries.

Make sure all documents are ready and correctly certified before you begin the upload process.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After reviewing all the information and ensuring accuracy, submit your application. You will receive a confirmation email from UKZN shortly after your submission. Keep this email for your records, as it will contain important information about your application status.

Important Information for South African Citizens

If you are a South African citizen currently in Grade 12 or have completed your National Senior Certificate and have never studied at UKZN, you must complete a Central Application Office (CAO) application form.

Where to Obtain a CAO Form

You can access the CAO application form through the following methods:

  • Download directly from the CAO website.
  • Contact CAO at 031 268 4444.
  • Email inquiries to enquiries@ukzn.ac.za.
  • Pay the application fee of R250 for on-time applications and R470 for late applications.

Required Documentation

To apply, you will need to submit the following documents:

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  • Certified copies of your Grade 11 results (and available Grade 12 results).
  • Your ID document.
  • For transfer students from other universities, a certified copy of your National Senior Certificate and complete academic transcripts are required.

Closing Dates for Applications

  • Semester 1 (January Intake):
    • Medicine: 30 June (no late applications accepted).
    • All other programmes: 30 September.
  • Semester 2 (August Intake):
    • Applications close on 30 June.
    • Application fee payable to UKZN is R200.

 


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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.