University of South Africa Acceptance Rate

By | April 2, 2016

Unisa - University of south africa

University of South Africa Acceptance Rate

Matriculation exemption – Higher Education South Africa

HESA (Higher Education South Africa) was formed on 9 May 2005 and represents the heads of all public universities, universities of technology and comprehensive universities in South Africa. The SAMB (South African Matriculation Board) forms an integral part of HESA’s role. The SAMB advises the Minister of Education via HESA on the minimum general admission requirements for first degree studies at South African universities.

Before admittance to a South African university, South Africans must first successfully complete the SANSC (South African National Senior Certificate) examinations. Those students that manage to obtain the appropriate standards in these examinations are accordingly awarded “matriculation exemption” status and may enrol for a first degree at a South African university.

Foreign Nationals

All students who are either completing or have completed their schooling outside of South Africa and / or through an alternate educational system must ascertain whether they have also earned “matriculation exemption”. In this regard, the SAMB regulates admission to first degree studies by ensuring all students who did not complete a SANSC but who have an equivalent university entrance qualification, comply with the requisite criteria. The SAMB regularly updates the list of these alternate qualifications that are acceptable on face value for admission to first degree studies at South African universities. These can be found on the HESA website.

 

South African Matriculation Board contact details
Tel: +27 12 481 2847/8
Fax: +27 12 481 2718/2922 or 086 677 7744
E-mail: exemption@hesa-enrol.ac.za
Matriculation exemption, a minimum average percentage plus individual programme criteria are the entrance requirements for Baccalaureus (undergraduate) degree studies. For the exemption requirements according to the most common systems / countries from which applications are normally received, please go to the relevant link below:

American High School diploma

Cambridge

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Namibian Higher and Ordinary Level (formerly HIGCSE and IGCSE)

If you are not sure whether you qualify for matriculation exemption, HESA offer an Online System of Assessment to enable prospective first degree students who want to study at a South African university to assess whether they meet the minimum legal admission requirements.

The system results will state whether an applicant meets the minimum legal requirements or not. If the applicant is successful, hard copies of certificates will have to be sent to the SAMB for verification and issuance of the exemption certificate.

See also  Mpumalanga University Online Application Form

Foreign University-level Qualifications

All non-South African post-school qualifications need to be evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). They can be contacted at +27 12 431 5064 or via e-mail (ncoetzee@saqa.co.za or dmhlongo@saqa.co.za). You will also find an application form on the website.

NB: Your application needs to be made well in advance to avoid disappointment, as the process can take as long as six months to complete.

 

North-West University Disclaimer:
Please be aware that the information supplied on this page is for general information purposes only. More precise details can be obtained by going to the official SADHA website (South African Department of Home Affairs).  Requirements for studying in South Africa are subject to change and each application is treated as an individual case. Please ensure that you make the necessary inquiries well in advance, before travelling to South Africa.

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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.
  • 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.