University of Cape Town UCT Faculty of Engineering & The Built Environment
University of Cape Town UCT Faculty of Engineering; See details on University of Cape Town UCT Faculty of Engineering Apply Now
The Engineering & the Built Environment Faculty offers the following undergraduate degrees:
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics
Bachelor of Science in Property Studies
Department of Construction Economics & Management
Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies
Department of Construction Economics & Management
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Civil Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering
Department of Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Department of Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical& Mechatronics Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechatronics
Department of Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Geomatics: Surveying
Bachelor of Science in Geomatics: Geoinformatics
School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (Honours)
Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Construction Management
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geographical Information Systems
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Materials Science
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nuclear Power
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Property Studies
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Quantity Surveying
The Engineering & the Built Environment Faculty offers the following postgraduate degrees and diplomas:
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture & Planning
Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Construction Economics & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Energy Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Geomatics
Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Architecture (Professional)
Master of Architecture
(by research)
Master of City & Regional Planning
Master of Urban Design
Master of Transport Studies
Master of Geotechnical Engineering
Master of Engineering in Civil Infrastructure Management & Maintenance
Master of Engineering in Nuclear Power
Master of Engineering in Radar and Electrical Defence
Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
Master of Engineering in Telecommunications
Master of Engineering in Transport Studies
Master of Engineering in Water Quality Engineering
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Philosophy in Architecture & Planning
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Architecture & Planning
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Architecture
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Architecture
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Conservation of the Built Environment
(60 credits research, 120 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Construction Economics & Management
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Construction Economics and Management
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Energy Studies
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Energy & Development Studies
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Engineering Education
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Engineering Management
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Geomatics
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Geomatics
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Materials Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Materials Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Philosophy in Nuclear Power
(60 credits research, 120 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Space Studies
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Sustainable Minerals Resource Development
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Transport Studies
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Philosophy in Transport Studies
(60 credits research, 120 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Chemical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Chemical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Civil Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Civil Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Civil Infrastructure Management & Maintenance
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Civil Infrastructure Management & Maintenance
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Electrical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Geomatics
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Geomatics
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Materials Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Materials Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Engineering in Sustainable Energy Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Structural Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Water Quality Engineering
(120 credits research, 60 credits coursework)
Master of Science in Engineering in Water Quality Engineering
(180 credits research)
Master of Science in Project Management
Master of Science in Property Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Power Plant Engineering
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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.