Unisa welcomes Fulbright Scholar

By | August 1, 2016

Inspired towards Science, Engineering and Technology (I-SET) proudly welcomes Dr Tanja Karp from Texas Tech University to Unisa. She will be part of the team until June , and was welcomed by Prof Isaac Osunmakinde, Director of the School of Computing, and Kabelo Pheeha, I-SET Facilitator. I-SET is a flagship community engagement project of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) at Unisa. The aim of the project is to inspire awareness of science, engineering and technology through the fun activities of robotics.

ISETTanjaKarp

Kabelo Pheeha (I-SET Facilitator), Dr Tanja Karp (Fulbright Scholar 2016/ ), and Prof Isaac Osunmakinde (Director: School of Computing)

Karp will be hosted by I-SET as one of ten US Fulbright Scholars to South Africa during . She is an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering from Texas Tech University (TTU), with teaching and research focused on community engagement, service learning, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education among learners and undergraduate engineering students through robotics. At TTU, she has been the organiser of the annual Get Excited About Robotics (GEAR) competition, which has grown from 20 participants to more than 1 000 participants during the last 10 years.

The Fulbright programme is the flagship international educational exchange programme sponsored by the US government and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries”. Over the past fifty years, the Fulbright programme has provided almost 300 000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential—with opportunities to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. The programme also awards grants for international faculty, professionals, and students from around the world for advanced research, university lecturing, and studies in the United States.

This visit evolved from a collaboration that started at the Engagement Scholarship Conference 2013, which was hosted at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. In 2015 and 2016, robotics teams from USA, Germany, and I-SET participated in an exploratory Virtual Robotics Competition to allow participation in an international competitive challenge without having the constraint of the cost of travel. It is envisaged that this initiative will be enhanced and expanded to reach a wider community of robotics learners, currently constrained by distance and resources.

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During her stay at Unisa, Karp will be participating in the facilitation of I-SET robotics workshops at science expos, including the 2016 SKA national science week, the SAASTA Techno Youth Programme, TechnoX and Scifest. She will also facilitate the presentation of a new I-SET short learning programme, namely Practical Experience of Engineering and Programming.

A lively exchange of experience between I-SET leaders and professionals in both countries will be part of her visit, especially pertaining to successes in creating interest in science, engineering, and technology through community engagement and robotics. She looks forward to interacting with Unisa students and learners in I-SET robotics workshops. It is the goal of I-SET and Karp that this collaboration continues beyond her stay in South Africa and will result in new international initiatives and opportunities.

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*By Patricia Gouws

 


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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.
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📚 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

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    • 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:

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  • 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.