Western Cape Education Districts |
A brief introduction to the Education Districts |
Contact Information: |
Chief Director: Districts Alan Meyer PA: Nandipha Sikhweyiya Tel: 021 467 2089 Fax: 021 467 9325 e-Mail: Nandipha.Sikhweyiya@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Private Bag 9114, Cape Town 8000 |
Metro Central Education District Onderwysdistrik Metro-Sentraal ISithili seMfundo iMetro Central Sanette Nowers Director: Metro Central Education District PA: Dori-anne Petersen Tel : 021 514 6700 Fax : 021 514 6953 e-Mail: Dorianne.Richards@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Metro Central Education District Private Bag X4 MOWBRAY 7705 Street Address: Gate House 2 Alexandra Provincial Office Precinct Haven Road Garden Village MAITLAND See here for FET Curriculum branch and Special Needs Education contact details Metro East Education District Onderwysdistrik Metro-Oos ISithili seMfundo iMetro East Benjamin Schereka Director: Metro East Education District PA: Zainunissa Meyer Tel: 021 900 7000 / Fax: 021 903 9484 e-Mail: Zainunissa.Meyer@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Metro East Education District Private Bag X23 KUILS RIVER 7579 Street Address: Belhar Road off Nooiensfontein Road KUILSRIVER Metro North Education District Onderwysdistrik Metro-Noord ISithili seMfundo iMetro North David Millar Director: Metro North Education District PA: Unathi Booi (acting) Tel: 021 938 3000 / Fax: 021 938 3180 e-Mail: Unathi.Booi@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Metro North Education District Private Bag X45 PAROW 7500 Street Address: Timmerman Street PAROW Metro South Education District Onderwysdistrik Metro-Suid ISithili seMfundo iMetro South Granville Stander Director: Metro South Education District PA: Paulina Redelinghuys Tel: 021 370 2000 / Fax: 021 372 1856 e-Mail: Paulina.Redelinghuys@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Metro South Education District Private Bag X2 MITCHELL’S PLAIN 7785 Street Address: Lentegeur Hospital AZ Berman Drive Lentegeur MITCHELL’S PLAIN Cape Winelands Education District Onderwysdistrik Kaapse Wynland ISithili seMfundo iCape Winelands Juan Benjamin Director: Cape Winelands Education District PA: Linda Ntlombeni Tel: 023 348 4601 / Fax: 023 342 4138 e-Mail: Linda.ntlombeni@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Cape Winelands Education District Private Bag X3102 WORCESTER 6849 Street Address: 9 Durban Street WORCESTER Eden & Central Karoo Education District Onderwysdistrik Eden & Sentrale Karoo ISithili seMfundo i-Eden & Central Karoo Desmond Maarman Director: Eden & Central Karoo Education District PA: Heather Maarman Tel: 044 803 8300 | Fax: 044 873 2253 e-Mail: Heather.Maarman@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Eden & Central Karoo Education District Private Bag X6510 GEORGE 6530 Street Address: Rentzburg Court 42 Courtenay Street GEORGE Overberg Education District Onderwysdistrik Overberg ISithili seMfundo i-Overberg Helene van Zyl (Acting) Director: Overberg Education District PA: Nenanda Dramat Tel: 028 214 7300 | Fax: 028 214 7400 e-Mail: Nenanda.Dramat@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: Overberg Education District Private Bag X08 CALEDON 7230 Street Address: Kollege Straat 15 College Road CALEDON 7230 West Coast Education District Onderwysdistrik Weskus ISithili seMfundo iWest Coast Heather van Ster Director: West Coast Education District PA: Cecile Louw Tel: 021 860 1200 / Fax: 021 860 1231 e-Mail: Cecile.Louw@westerncape.gov.za Postal Address: West Coast Education District Private Bag X3026 PAARL 7620 Street Address: 6 Hospital Street PAARL |
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).
📚 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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- 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.