UWC CALL FOR APPLICATIONS POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

By | March 1, 2024

UWC CALL FOR APPLICATIONS POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

​DST-NRF CENTRE IN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS NOTICE

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:Ā  POST DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS

Applications Now Open

Ā INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS AND CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE SADC REGION

The Department of Science and Technology (DST)-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS) with its hub at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, has sinceĀ  2016 launchedĀ  The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Scientific Community of Practice (CoP).Ā  The promotion of research and postgraduate training in IKS and Climate Change is one of the strategic research focus areas of the CoP. The objective is to build a critical mass of IKS human capital in the SADC region to enhance the contribution of IKS into the global pool of knowledge on climate change adaptation and mitigation for sustainable community livelihood and development.

It is on the basisĀ  of this initiativeĀ  thatĀ  theĀ  CIKSĀ  is issuing a call forĀ  postdoctoralĀ  researchers from research and academicĀ  institutions in theĀ  SADC regionĀ  to contributeĀ  to theĀ  researchĀ  developmentĀ  and postgraduate trainingĀ  (Masters andĀ  doctoralĀ  students) in theĀ  followingĀ  IKS and climateĀ  changeĀ  researchĀ  areas:

(i)Local community understanding of interplay between climate and non-climate factorsĀ  on theirĀ  livelihood;

(ii)Local community sustenance and interfaceĀ  of bio-cultural innovationsĀ  and modernĀ  scientificĀ  knowledgeĀ  systems for climate changeĀ  resilience;

(iii)bio-culturalĀ  innovationsĀ  inĀ  traditional agricultural systems as bestĀ  practicesĀ  andĀ  models for sustainabilityĀ  againstĀ  climate change vulnerability

(iv) Linkages between gender,Ā  environment, and climate change in theĀ  SADC countries

(v)The impacts of contemporary agricultural science and extension services on IKS-based climate change resilience strategies

(vi)The role of African indigenous languages and visual arts in communicating indigenous climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

(vii)Local community knowledge on indicators of climate change in theirĀ  specificĀ  cultural and ecological areas;

(viii) Local community perceptions on the impact ofĀ  western science atmospheric weather forecasting on agricultural decision-making practices

(ix) The impact of climate change on indigenous economic systems

(x) Indigenous knowledge systems, climate change, animal and plant health

(xi) Community-based knowledge systems in the context of climate change and waste management

Tenure:Ā  1-2 years renewable

See also  Apply for the Unemployment Grant of R350.

Value of Fellowship:Ā Ā  US $ 20 000 per annum

Location:Ā  University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Closing Date: The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday, 31 March 2026

For more information contact:

Dr M Chinsamy, Research Manager

DST-NRF Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (CIKS)

University of KwaZulu-Natal

Durban

South Africa

chinsamym@ukzn.ac.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
Visit http://aiks.ukzn.ac.za

 


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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.


šŸ“Œ 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.

āœ… 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).
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šŸ“š 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.

šŸ“„ 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).

šŸ–„ļø 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 ā€œMyNSFASā€ 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 ā€œApplyā€ 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 ā€œSubmitā€ 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.

šŸ—“ļø 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.


šŸ’ø 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).


šŸ”„ 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.


šŸ” 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 ā€œTrack Funding Progressā€.
  3. If rejected, click on ā€œSubmit Appealā€.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

šŸ“± NSFAS Contact Information


šŸ“ 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.