Western Cape Department of Health Bursary South Africa

Western Cape Department of Health Bursary South Africa

ABOUT THE COMPANY – WESTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The Western Cape Department of Health, formed in 1994, is responsible for delivering public healthcare and health services to people who reside within the province. They are also in charge of various specialised facilities, which include rehabilitation centres; psychiatric hospitals and tuberculosis hospitals.

The Western Cape currently has 428 public primary care facilities, of which some are operated by the Department of Health and others by the City of Cape Town – these include community health centres and clinics.

ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The Western Cape Department of Health will be awarding bursaries to students pursuing their studies in Health Science, an area of identified skills shortage in South Africa.

Bursaries will be awarded within the Health Science faculty, usually within the following fields of study (however the fields of study may alter annually depending on the Departments skill requirements):

  • Radiography
  • Emergency Medical Care
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Medical (MBChB)

 

MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE & SERVICE CONTRACT

The bursary will provide coverage for the following expenses: registration fees, exam fees and tuition.

Students will be required to “work back” the bursary – one year of work for each year of funding received. The Community Service Year will cover the first year of the service contract.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted – if you do not receive any feedback by 31 March at the latest, please regard your application as unsuccessful.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • South African citizen
  • Reside within the Western Cape
  • Completed Matric OR currently in Matric
  • Intend on studying full time within one of the aforementioned Health Science fields of study
  • Applied OR have been accepted to study at one of the following tertiary institutions: University of Cape Town (Medicine), University of the Western Cape (Bachelor of Nursing Science / Bachelor of Pharmacy), Stellenbosch University (Medicine), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (BTech Nursing Science / Radiography / Emergency Medical Care)

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY

Apply in one of the following ways:
1) Online at: www.westerncape.gov.za/healthbursary
You will be required to Register an account before you can Login and apply.

2) Download and complete the Western Cape Department of Health Bursary Application Form (.pdf)

Please note: Medical (MBChB) students must apply via the online method if applying to study outside the Western Cape.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):

  • ID document (certified copy of)
  • Latest Matric results, if currently in Matric (certified copy of)
  • Matric certificate, if completed Matric (certified copy of)
  • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve to be awarded a bursary (addressed to the Bursary Committee)
  • Parents/ guardians proof of income (payslips/ SASSA letter/ tax certificate) (certified copies of)
  • Proof of residence (rates/ lease agreement/ account statement/ affidavit)
  • Proof of disability, if disabled

 

Applications must be submitted to your tertiary institutions financial aid office:

    • UCT (University of Cape Town)

Student Financial Aid
Wilfred and Jules Kramer Building
Level 3
Cross Campus Road
Middle Campus
UCT Rondebosch
7700
(Attn: Mr Z Baker)

    • UWC (University of the Western Cape)

Financial Aid Office
Private Bag X17
Bellville
7535
(Attn: Ms E Seleke)

    • Stellenbosch University

Faculty of Health Science
PO BOX 19063
Tygerberg
7505
(Attn: Ms R Sylvester)

    • CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology)

Financial Aid
Library Extension
P.O. BOX 1906
Bellville
7535
(Attn: Mr C Claasen)

CLOSING DATE

28 September Annually.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Western Cape Department of Health directly:
Contact Person: Monray Strydom
Tel: 021 483 6610 / 021 483 2515 / 021 483 3738 / 021 483 3465
Fax: 086 609 9893
Email: Health.bursary@westerncape.gov.za / health.bursary@pgwc.gov.za
Alternatively, please contact your institutions financial aid department:

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question
      • UCT (University of Cape Town), Mr Z Baker, Tel: 021 650 3632
      • UWC (University of the Western Cape), Ms E Seleke, Tel: 021 959 9754
      • Stellenbosch University, Ms Rochelle Sylvester, Tel: 021 938 9458
      • CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), Mr C Claasen, Tel: 021 959 6253

 

 

 

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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.

 

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