Who can fund my business in South Africa?

By | June 10, 2020
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You have a great business idea and it’s sure to change your world and maybe everyone else’s too. Now if you could just get some funding…The good news is that there are several different organisations that you can approach to fund your business, from banks and venture capitalists to government.

Venture capital finance

This is where private equity capital is used as seed funding for businesses that are considered high-growth with high potential. You can access a detailed list of venture capital and private equity firms on the South African Venture Capital Association website. Some funders will provide funds specifically for research and development while seed funders will help you finance your business so that it is ready to take to market. You will also find what is known as post-revenue generating funders. These funders require you to have a sales track record and proven market interest in your product or service.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTi)

The DTi has an incubation support programme which helps new businesses during their first three years, usually the most critical time for a new business. The programme offers funding of up to R10 million per enterprise, in partnership with larger companies that contribute funds and also play a mentorship support role. Details are available on the DTi website.

Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa)

Sefa is a result of the merger of the South African Micro Apex Fund, Khula Enterprise Finance Ltd and the small business activities of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). Sefa offers loans from R500 up to R5 million. There are several criteria if you want to access funding via Sefa. For example, the business must operate within South Africa and you have to be a sole trader with a fixed physical address. You have to have a written proposal or business plan and you must be able to show that you are able to repay the loan.

Business Partners

Business Partners considers all business finance applications up toR50 million, regardless of what sector of the economy you want to engage in. 

Business Partners considers financing options from R500 000 up to R50 million per application. Property transactions up to R30 million and joint venture multi tenanted properties of up to R75 million may be considered.

Bank funding

If you are starting a small business, you can approach your bank for a business loan. In recent years, the banks have woken up to the huge potential for business within the small start-up enterprise industry and have started catering for this market with specialist products such as Absa’s Enterprise Development unit  and Nedbank’s Small Business Service unit.

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Crowdfunding

This is a relatively new way to finance something and is quite the craze internationally although it has still to gain traction in South Africa. Websites such as www.investmentnetwork.co.za offer you the platform to showcase your project or business idea and interested members of the public then pledge money towards your project. The website is affiliated to the Angel Investment Network, which has 30 networks worldwide covering more than 80 countries across Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Asia. After an initial contact fee they charge no additional fees or commissions, as you then deal directly with your investors.

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.” – Steve Jobs, co-founder and former chief executive of Apple.

What are you waiting for?With a wealth of options so readily available, it’s worth trying to get your business the funding boost it needs. You may have to contend with quite a bit of paperwork, so get yourself ready… It could be the cleverest move you’ve ever made.

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Related Resources

🎓 Bursary Applications South Africa Latest bursary opportunities and application guides
🏦 NSFAS Applications NSFAS funding applications and student finance guides
🧠 Best Brainz Education Educational resources and academic support services

 

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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.

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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.
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  • 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.

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  • 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.
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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
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  • 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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