Payment dates 2026:
The 50% (half of the account) due date on 30 April has been extended until 30 June 2026. The deadline for payments due on 31 July (full payment of the account) has also been extended by 2 months to 30 September 2026.
The 30 April payment date for the 2,5% discount will remain.
All amounts published are in South African Rand currency (ZAR).
This information only refers only to financial aspects of your studies.
International students have to ensure they are aware of all aspects pertaining to them to study at the University of Pretoria, which can be found at www.up.ac.za/isd.
International levy:
- This international levy is payable annually by all non-South African citizens as well as students who are citizens of SADC countries on these visas (SADC country list). This amount is payable in addition to the initial fee payable at registration.
- Asylum seekers, refugees, diplomats and their dependents stationed in South Africa are exempted from paying the international levy.
- International registration and tuition fees:
- Non-South African citizens (excluding students who are citizens of SADC countries) will be charged double the tuition fee of South African students (see cost factors in the table below), AND the International levy will be charged. (Except for research master’s or doctoral degrees, where only the local tuition fee will be required.)
- Students who are citizens of SADC countries will pay the same tuition fee as charged for South African citizens BUT also have to pay the international levy.
- Asylum seekers, refugees and diplomats stationed in South Africa, as well as permanent residents of South Africa only, are exempted from paying double tuition fees and are exempted from the international levy.
- International students will be required:
- to pay an initial fee (which will form part of the total tuition fees due), before registration (see amounts in table below).
- to pay 50% of their full student account by 30 April, and the remainder by 31 July.
The SADC countries include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
International payments:
Can be made using a credit card (provided you have 3D one-time pin security in place with your own bank) on the university website, or by doing a SWIFT transfer from your bank in your own country.
Please use the correct university bank account for the various international transactions.
UNIVERSITY BANK ACCOUNTS | APPLICATION FEE FOR STUDY | TUITION FEE PAYMENT |
Account holder | University of Pretoria | University of Pretoria |
Bank | ABSA | ABSA |
Branch | Hatfield | Hatfield |
Branch code | 632005 | 632005 |
Swift code | ABSAZAJJ | ABSAZAJJ |
Account number | 2140 000 038 | 2140 000 054 |
Deposit reference | Initials and surname | 8 digit Student number |
Payment options: When it is not possible to make use of UP Cashiers, you
may use the above banking details for EFT payments, our on-line Credit Card payment system or Flywire.
Medical aid cover for international students:
Please note, that DHA does NOT accept any outside medical cover anymore. Including the ones that have previously been accepted (PULA, Swazimed, Bomaid, Namibhealth etc. etc.) according to International Education Association Of South Africa (IEASA).
Although you may, with another international insurance or medical product, secure a study visa from a South African visa issuing authority, the University of Pretoria, in accordance with the Immigration Act, does not recognise such medical cover for registration purposes.
International undergraduate student tuition fee factors: 2022
Student type | Country | International Levy | Undergrad Registration | Tuition fee factor |
Study Visa | SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Local fees |
non-SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Double local fees for coursework studies | |
R3 470 | R5 000 | Local fees for full research-orientated master’s or doctoral studies | ||
Visitor VisaFor block attendance or distance education research study only. | SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study |
non–SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Double local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study | |
Work Visa(for full-time work40 hours per week)Part-time studies only | SADC | n/a | R5 000 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study |
non-SADC | n/a | R5 000 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study | |
Asylum seeker | All | n/a | R5 000 | Local tuition fees |
Diplomat | All | n/a | R5 000 | Local tuition fees. Dependents of diplomats pay local tuition fees only if they have a diplomatic visa in their own passports. |
Refugee | All | n/a | R5 000 | Local tuition fees |
Permanent residency status in South Africa | All | n/a | R5 000 | Local tuition fees |
Elective(with Visitors Visa) | All | n/a | n/a | R2 710(See note on Visitors Visa endorsement above) |
Exchange(with Study Visa) | All | n/a | n/a | No tuition fees billed if in collaboration agreement. All accommodation will be billed. |
Study-abroad(with Study Visa) | SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Local fees |
non-SADC | R3 470 | R5 000 | Double local fees |
International postgraduate student tuition fee factors: 2026
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a QuestionStudent type | Country | InternationalLevy | PostgradRegistration | Tuition fee factor |
Study Visa | SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Local fees |
non-SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Double local fees for coursework studies | |
R3 470 | R7 500 | Local fees for full research-orientated master’s or doctoral studies | ||
Visitor VisaFor block attendance or distance education research study only. | SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study |
non–SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Double local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study | |
Work Visa(for full-time work40 hours per week)Part-time studies only | SADC | n/a | R7 500 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study |
non-SADC | n/a | R7 500 | Local feesVisa must be endorsed to allow for study | |
Asylum seeker | All | n/a | R7 500 | Local tuition fees |
Diplomat | All | n/a | R7 500 | Local tuition fees. Dependents of diplomats pay local tuition fees only if they have a diplomatic visa in their own passports. |
Refugee | All | n/a | R7 500 | Local tuition fees |
Permanentresidency status in South Africa | All | n/a | R7 500 | Local tuition fees |
Elective(with Visitors Visa) | All | n/a | n/a | R2 710(See note on Visitors Visa endorsement above) |
Exchange(with Study Visa) | All | n/a | n/a | No tuition fees billed if in collaboration agreement. All accommodation will be billed. |
Study-abroad(with Study Visa) | SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Local fees |
non-SADC | R3 470 | R7 500 | Double local fees | |
Postdoc(with Visitors Visa) | All | n/a | n/a | No fees charged(See note on Visitors Visa endorsement above) |
Related Resources
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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.