University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Introduction

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a multi-campus public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg, South Africa. The university has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general.

Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation. The university has an enrolment of 40,259 students as of 2018, of which approximately 20 percent live on campus in the university’s 17 residences.

In this blog post, we will be looking into the Top Searches on University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), What is Wits best known for?, Does Wits offer scholarships?, Is Wits private or public?, Can I study at Wits without maths? and many others.

Let’s delve into it:

Top Searches on University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

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Wits RankingWits Self Service

What is Wits best known for?

The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits, is best known for its academic excellence and its significant contributions to research, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Below are some of the breakdowns:

  • Ranking: Wits is the highest-ranked university in Africa according to the 2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It is ranked 2nd in South Africa and 379th globally in 2023 overall rankings.
  • Research: Wits academics regularly publish world-leading research in the fields of natural science, medical and health science, social science, humanities, and engineering. Wits is home to 381 NRF-rated researchers and 400 award-winning researchers.
  • Notable Alumni: Many Witwatersrand alumni have become icons, both historically and today. Wits is the home of four Nobel Prize Winners: Nelson Mandela (Peace), Sydney Brenner (Medicine), Nadine Gordimer (Literature), and Aaron Klug (Chemistry).
  • Global Reputation: Wits has partnerships with institutions around the world, including research funding opportunities for staff and students. It prides itself on being very cosmopolitan, with students from 85 nationalities represented on campus.

Is Wits private or public?

The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is a public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. As a public university, Wits is funded and supported by the government, and it serves the broader public by providing higher education and conducting research across various disciplines.

Can I study at Wits without maths?

Yes, there are certain programs at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) that do not require Mathematics as a prerequisite. For example, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts do not require Mathematics.

However, Mathematics is compulsory for all numerate programs in Engineering and the Built Environment, Commerce, Law and Management, and Science. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for some degrees.

Conclusion

In this article, we looked into the Top Searches on University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), What is Wits best known for?, Does Wits offer scholarships?, Is Wits private or public?, Can I study at Wits without maths? and many others.

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), commonly known as Wits University, is a prominent public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1896, Wits is renowned for its academic excellence and has a rich history of contributing to the development of South Africa and the continent.

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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:

  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.