What Documents are Needed to Apply at Wits

By | September 10, 2020

A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African University.  Students with non-South African qualifications must have their school qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board that will then issue a certificate of exemption to those who qualify.

Application forms for Matriculation Exemption should be sent to:
Student Enrolment Centre, Private Bag 4, WITS, 2050

Including the following supporting documentation:

  • Form M30E (this form is included in the application package for study at Wits)
  • Correctly certified copies of your educational qualifications certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • A correctly certified copy of your passport or birth certificate certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • The exemption fee is included in the non-refundable application fee charged to international applicants. This fee is applicable to all international applicants whether schooling in South Africa or not.
  • Sworn English translations of documents are required.

Please note:

  • Statements of results and high school transcripts are NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board
  • Certification by police or any ordinary Commissioner of Oaths is NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board.
  • Faxed and scanned copies are NOT acceptable
  • Students are advised to send two sets of certified copies of documents, one for application for Matriculation Exemption and one for application to programme (degree) studies

For additional information on Matriculation Exemption please visit http://mb.usaf.ac.za/exemption-process/

English Language Proficiency

Wits, as an English-medium university requires that its students are proficient in English before they are accepted. An applicant, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, must have attained a certain level of proficiency in English, namely:

  • A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the Higher Grade (First or Second Language) at the South African matriculation level (or, for certain immigrants only, English at the Standard Grade [First Language] plus an A-level pass in the immigrant s home language);
  • A pass in English Language at the GCSE/GCE/IGSCE Ordinary level (or equivalent examination);
  • For admission a pass in the:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of 7.0;
  • Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points.

In exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the University with a minimum test score of 600 to be proficient for admission.

The Wits Language School (WLS) offers English training to students who wish to improve their language skills. WLS offers non-academic courses for adult learners. It offers public classes, corporate training and private tuition. WLS takes pride in its excellent services, high quality training programmes that have sound research and academic framework and the quality of its training personnel.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Courses are designed for foreign and second language speakers and consist of six levels from pre- beginners to advanced level. An assessment test determines at which level students would start the course.

Wits Language School
Contact details:
Wits Language School
Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050
Tel: +27 11 717-4208
E-mail: wls@wits.ac.za
Website: www.wits.ac.za/witslanguageschool/

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A matriculation exemption is a legal requirement for first-degree study at a South African University.  Students with non-South African qualifications must have their school qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board that will then issue a certificate of exemption to those who qualify.

Application forms for Matriculation Exemption should be sent to:
Student Enrolment Centre, Private Bag 4, WITS, 2050

Including the following supporting documentation:

  • Form M30E (this form is included in the application package for study at Wits)
  • Correctly certified copies of your educational qualifications certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • A correctly certified copy of your passport or birth certificate certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
  • The exemption fee is included in the non-refundable application fee charged to international applicants. This fee is applicable to all international applicants whether schooling in South Africa or not.
  • Sworn English translations of documents are required.

Please note:

  • Statements of results and high school transcripts are NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board
  • Certification by police or any ordinary Commissioner of Oaths is NOT accepted by the Matriculation Board.
  • Faxed and scanned copies are NOT acceptable
  • Students are advised to send two sets of certified copies of documents, one for application for Matriculation Exemption and one for application to programme (degree) studies

For additional information on Matriculation Exemption please visit http://mb.usaf.ac.za/exemption-process/

English Language Proficiency

Wits, as an English-medium university requires that its students are proficient in English before they are accepted. An applicant, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, must have attained a certain level of proficiency in English, namely:

  • A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the Higher Grade (First or Second Language) at the South African matriculation level (or, for certain immigrants only, English at the Standard Grade [First Language] plus an A-level pass in the immigrant s home language);
  • A pass in English Language at the GCSE/GCE/IGSCE Ordinary level (or equivalent examination);
  • For admission a pass in the:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of 7.0;
  • Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points.

In exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the University with a minimum test score of 600 to be proficient for admission.

The Wits Language School (WLS) offers English training to students who wish to improve their language skills. WLS offers non-academic courses for adult learners. It offers public classes, corporate training and private tuition. WLS takes pride in its excellent services, high quality training programmes that have sound research and academic framework and the quality of its training personnel.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Courses are designed for foreign and second language speakers and consist of six levels from pre- beginners to advanced level. An assessment test determines at which level students would start the course.

Wits Language School
Contact details:
Wits Language School
Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050
Tel: +27 11 717-4208
E-mail: wls@wits.ac.za
Website: www.wits.ac.za/witslanguageschool/

 


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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).
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🖥️ 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.