University of the Witwatersrand Term Date 2026
2026 – University Term Dates
Activity | Dates |
Registration | Monday 09 January – Friday 03 February |
Orientation | Sunday 29 January – Friday 03 February |
First teaching block | Monday 06 February – Friday 24 March (34 days) |
Mid-term Vacation/Study/Research break | Saturday 25 March – Sunday 02 April (9 days) |
Second teaching block | Monday 03 April – Friday 19 May (31 days) |
Examinations | Wednesday 24 May – Friday 23 June (22 days) |
Winter Vacation/Study/Research break | Saturday 24 June – Sunday 23 July (30 days) |
Third teaching block | Monday 24 July – Friday 08 September (34 days) |
Mid-term Vacation/Study/Research break | Saturday 09 September – Sunday 17 September (9 days) |
Fourth teaching block | Monday 18 September – Tuesday 31 October (31 days) |
Examinations | Friday 03 November – Thursday 30 November (20 days) |
Summer Vacation/Study/Research break | Fri 01 December |
Please note: The Faculty of Health Sciences’ term dates differ from those of the University and they may commence with lectures as early as the first working day in January.
Consult the University’s website for more detailed information about dates of registration for different cohorts of students.
Public and religious holidays/holydays recognised by the University in 2026
<<<<<<<<
Date | Name of holiday | University status |
Sunday 1 January | New Year’s Day | University closed |
Monday 2 January | Public Holiday | University closed |
Tuesday 21 March | Human Rights Day | University closed |
Tuesday 11 April | Pesach (day 1)** | |
Wednesday 12 April | Pesach (day 2)** | |
Friday 14 April | Good Friday | University closed |
Monday 17 April | Family Day Pesach (day 7)** |
University closed |
Tuesday 18 April | Pesach (day 8)** | |
Thursday 27 April | Freedom Day | University closed |
Monday 1 May | Workers’ Day | University closed |
Saturday 27 May | First day of Ramadan* | |
Wednesday 31 May | Shavuoth** | |
Thursday 1 June | Shavuoth** | |
Friday 16 June | Youth Day | University closed |
Monday 26 June | Eid-ul-Fitr* | |
Wednesday 9 August | National Women’s Day | University closed |
Friday 01 September | Eid-ul-Adha* | |
Thursday 21 September | Rosh Hashanah (day 1)** | |
Friday 22 September | Rosh Hashanah (day 2)** | |
Sunday 24 September | Heritage Day | University closed |
Monday 25 September | Public Holiday | University closed |
Saturday 30 September | Yom Kippur** | |
Thursday 5 October | Succot (day 1)** | |
Friday 6 October | Succot (day 2)** | |
Thursday 12 October | Sh’mini Atzeret ** | |
Friday 13 October | Simchat Torah** | |
Wednesday 18 October | Diwali (South India) | |
Thursday 19 October | Diwali (North India) | |
Saturday 16 December | Day of Reconciliation | University closed |
Monday 25 December | Christmas Day | University closed |
Tuesday 26 December | Day of Goodwill | University closed |
* = Islamic Holy Day – commences the previous evening; exact date depends on sighting of new moon
** = Jewish Holy Day – commences the previous evening
School Term Dates in 2026
Term | All Provinces |
Term 1 | 18 January – 31 March |
Term 2 | 10 April – 23 June |
Term 3 | 17 July – 29 September |
Term 4 | 09 October – 06 December |
– See more at: https://www.wits.ac.za/students/academic-matters/term-dates/2026/#sthash.JMkJ9s5J.dpuf
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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)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
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Track Your Application
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🗓️ 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:
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- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
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- 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.