University of Pretoria programmes

By | September 9, 2020

We know that you have worked really hard and have always wanted to #ChooseUP because it is one of the best universities in Africa. To be part of our family, you need more than suitable subject choices or good marks at school; you need to be committed and passionate about your chosen field.

If you can think of a study field or career that suits your personality, interests, goals and what you’re good at, you will enjoy what you do and being really great at your studies and future career.

You can use our Virtual Campus to help you decide on a course or discover a new field of interest, explore our campuses and access the information you need to apply.

If you already know what you want to study, explore the course options in each of our faculties to find out more.

If you already have an undergraduate degree and would like to browse our postgraduate offerings, we have many different advanced study programmes available.

Please pay attention to opening and closing dates for applying to study at UP.

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  • Advanced diploma School Leadership and Management (Distance Education)
  • BA
  • BA Audiology
  • BA Fine Arts
  • BA Information Design
  • BA Languages
  • BA Law
  • BA Speech-Language Pathology
  • BA Visual Studies
  • BAdmin Public Management and International Relations
  • BAdminHons Public Administration and Management
  • BAgricHons Extension
  • BAgricHons Rural Development
  • BAHons African Languages
  • BAHons Afrikaans
  • BAHons Ancient Languages and Cultures Studies
  • BAHons Applied Language Studies
  • BAHons Archaeology
  • BAHons Augmentative and Alternative Communication
  • BAHons Criminology
  • BAHons Drama and Film Studies
  • BAHons English
  • BAHons French
  • BAHons German
  • BAHons International Relations
  • BAHons Literary Theory
  • BAHons Music
  • BAHons Philosophy
  • BAHons Political Science
  • BAHons Spanish
  • BAHons Visual Studies
  • BArchHons
  • BChD
  • BCMP
  • BCom
  • BCom Accounting Sciences
  • BCom Agribusiness Management
  • BCom Business Management
  • BCom Econometrics
  • BCom Economics
  • BCom Extended programme
  • BCom Financial Sciences
  • BCom Human Resource Management
  • BCom Informatics Information Systems
  • BCom Investment Management
  • BCom Law
  • BCom Marketing Management
  • BCom Statistics and Data Science
  • BCom Supply Chain Management
  • BComHons Agricultural Economics
  • BComHons Business Management
  • BComHons Communication Management
  • BComHons Econometrics
  • BComHons Economics
  • BComHons Financial Management Sciences
  • BComHons Human Resource Management and Labour Relations
  • BComHons Industrial Psychology
  • BComHons Informatics
  • BComHons Internal Auditing
  • BComHons Investment Management
  • BComHons Marketing Management
  • BComHons Mathematical Statistics
  • BComHons Statistics and Data Science
  • BComHons Supply Chain Management
  • BComHons Taxation
  • BComHons Tourism Management
  • BConSci Clothing Retail Management
  • BConSci Food Retail Management
  • BConSci Hospitality Management
  • BDietetics
  • BDiv
  • BDram
  • BEd Foundation Phase Teaching
  • BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching
  • BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching
  • BEdHons Assessment and Quality Assurance in Education and Training
  • BEdHons Computer-integrated Education
  • BEdHons Education Management, Law and Policy
  • BEdHons Education Management, Law and Policy (Distance Education)
  • BEdHons Educational Psychology
  • BEdHons Learning Support
  • BEdHons Learning Support (Distance Education)
  • BEdHons Life Sciences Education
  • BEdHons Mathematics Education
  • BEdHons Physical Sciences Education
  • BEdHons Teacher Education and Professional Development
  • BEdHons Technology Education
  • BEng Chemical Engineering
  • BEng Chemical Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Civil Engineering
  • BEng Civil Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Computer Engineering
  • BEng Computer Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Electrical Engineering
  • BEng Electrical Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Electronic Engineering
  • BEng Electronic Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Industrial Engineering
  • BEng Industrial Engineering ENGAGE
  • BEng Mechanical Engineering

 


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).
See also  Is UMP a college or university?

📚 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.