Ncrtvet Learnership

Learnerships combine a structured learning component with practical work experience that is acquired while being employed in a company, government department or small business. Learnerships are available to people who have left school, college or other training institutions after completing some formal education.

The Government has introduced training opportunities called Learnerships. A Learnership is a work-based learning programme.

Learnerships combine a structured learning component with practical work experience that is acquired while being employed in a company, government department or small business. Learnerships are available to people who have left school, college or other training institutions after completing some formal education, as well as for people who have been unemployed for some time. To be eligible you have to be at least 16- years-old and younger than 35.

A student who is enrolled in a learnership is required to complete his/ her classroom-based learning at a college or training centre and to do on-the-job training in the workplace. This means unemployed people can only participate in a learnership if there is an employer that is prepared to provide the required work experience.

People entering a learnership do not have to pay anything for the programme. Learnership programmes are funded by the SETAs. Instead, all unemployed people selected for a learnership programme will receive a learner allowance by the employer. The allowance is not a salary, but is intended to cover expenses like travel and meals which a learner will have to pay while doing a learnership. The precise amount of the allowance depends on the type of learnership and the level of the qualification.

Whereas some learnerships do not require learners to meet any entry requirements, others demand from learners to have a Grade 12 certificate.

Some learnerships have entry requirements that relate directly to the field of study. For example, you will not be able to enter a learnership in the field of financial management if you have not completed some basic training in finance. It usually takes a year to complete a learnership, but some may take 2 or more years to finish. In some instances learners could finish a learnership in a shorter time through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

This is a process whereby learners will be able to get formal recognition for parts of the programme they have already completed through previous learning or work-based experience. At the end of a successful learnership a participant will receive an official SETA certificate, recognised nationally, which will indicate the area in which he/she has developed skills.

It is important to note that if you are unemployed when the learnership begins, there is no guarantee of a job at the end.

The employer who provides you with training does not have to offer you a job. But with a qualification and work experience you will be in a better position than before to get a job. You may also want to think about studying further or starting your business. Labour centres, private employment agencies or organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency could be helpful.

WHAT IS A LEARNERSHIP?

A learnership is a learning route towards achieving a nationally recognised qualification. It is a structured learningexperience which is a combination of theoretical and workplace learning and is directed towards the achievement ofa South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered qualification.

The implementation of a learnership is based on a contract signed by the learner, the employer and training providerand is administered by a SETA. Learners in a learnership programme attend classes with regard the theoretical part of the learnership and gain practical experience while placed in the workplace. The duration of learnership programmes varies between 1-3 years, depending on the programme.

A Learnership qualification consists of the following components:

Fundamentals: Basic educational requirements in a leadership – usually life skills, numeracy and literacy orcommunication skills.

Core: The core skills and knowledge required for a particular qualification

Electives: Specialised areas or the application of the core skills and knowledge in defined work situations

Source: www.ETDP-SETA.co.za

WHAT IS A SKILLS PROGRAMME?

A Skills Programme is a learning programme which is occupationally based and for which a learner may obtain acertain number of credits towards a registered qualification. It includes practical (work-place) experience andaddresses the identified needs of a specific industry.

Accredited skills programmes are delivered by an accredited service provider and it is so designed to one or acombination of the following.

Post qualification specialization

Competence in compliance with legislation

Employable skills

Duration: up to 6 months.

ACCURACY OF INFORMATION

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided on this pamphlet is current and accurate,you should not assume that this is always the case, and should consult other sources before making any decision toact on this information. Inf

Information is subject to change without any notice.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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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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