UNISA Short Course in Victim Empowerment and Support

By | January 12, 2024

UNISA Short Course in Victim Empowerment and Support

Short Course in Victim Empowerment and Support (75809)Purpose

Students who complete this short course will be able to disseminate correct and relevant information on victim empowerment and support within their own work environment and the community. They will be able tofacilitate the breakdown of negative attitudes, stereotypes and misconceptions about victims of crime and violence. They will be able to empower and support victims in their work environment and their community by being able to apply basic counselling skills and conduct individual and group trauma debriefing sessions. The qualifying student will be able to develop or facilitate the development of victim support centre or services or other empowerment programmes. The student will be able to identify and use local, national and international resources and referral systems and coordinate the functions of different stakeholders as well as evaluate the effectiveness of victim empowerment and support services.

Target group

Criminal justice officials, mental health workers, lay counsellors, human resource practitioners and mental health professionals (e.g. psychologists/social workers).In short, this course is for people who desire the knowledge, skills and attitude to contribute to crime- and violence prevention.
 Admission requirements

Students must demonstrate proficiencies at a NQF level 4 in the following: communicative competence in the medium of instruction at NQF level 4 or equivalent; the ability to learn from predominantly written material in English; the ability to present and communicate information and opinions in English in well structured arguments with limited support from lecturers; and mathematical literacy at NQF level 4 or equivalent
 Duration

Module 1: Three months’ distance learning
Module 2: Four-day workshop
 Language medium

English

Registration periods

Semester dates
 Tuition method

UNISA open distance learning combined with a compulsory, experiential workshop of four days in the middle of the three-month period. Learning material consists of a study guide, tutorial letters, assignments and resource file.
 Kind of assessment

Note:
Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with UNISA’s formative assessment rules and policies
Formative assessment:
Two assignments
Summative assessment:
Students must achieve a minimum overall of 50% for the two assignments combined
 Victim Empowerment and Support (VCEM018)Syllabus/Content Topics

  • Concepts and perspectives of crime and violence including epidemiology and demography, prevalence, treatment and prevention
  • Principles of the Criminal Justice System
  • The basic theoretical principles of the models of victim empowerment
  • The nature of negative attitudes, stereotypes and misconceptions about victims in the criminal justice system
  • Planning of intervention strategies to assist victims of crime and violence
  • Skills of counselling and debriefing techniques
  • Facilitating the development of victim support centres, services and other empowerment programmes
  • Methods of networking and coordinating the functions of different service providers
  • Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of victim empowerment and support services
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Course leader

Prof J A Nel
UNISA Centre for Applied Psychology
Office 5-154, Theo van Wijk Building, UNISA
 
 Programme administrator(s)

Ms T Mapokgole
UNISA Centre for Applied Psychology
Office 5-152, Theo van Wijk Building, UNISA
Tel: 012 429 8544 / 3951
Fax: 012 429 5368 / 086 554 5909
E-mail: ucap@unisa.ac.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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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.
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✅ 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.