ACRA Company Search

By | May 19, 2022
0 Comment

How do I check whether a company or business is registered with ACRA?

Answer:
To check whether a business is registered with ACRA,
1) visit BizFile+
2) Key in the business name or UEN in the search bar on the top right-hand corner.

If it is a registered entity, you will see the entity name and Unique Entity Number (UEN) in the search results.

What Is the ACRA Company Name Search Tool?

To register with ACRA, first, you need to do an ACRA company search. If you already have a business name in mind and would like to check if it is available in Singapore, you can use our ACRA Company Search tool above. 

Why Is the ACRA Entity Name Search Tool Important?

Using the ACRA Search tool is important as it helps you to:

  1. Quickly identify if your preferred company name is available
  2. Compare other companies with similar names and avoid copyright issues
  3. Simplify the company name reservation process

What makes a company name valid by ACRA Singapore?

While you are in the process of choosing a valid name for your company, do note that to get your preferred company name approved, you should ensure that:

  1. It is not identical to the name of a registered company
  2. It is not currently reserved by someone else
  3. It is not inappropriate or offensive (refrain from including obscene or religious names)
  4. It does not include gazetted names (“Temasek” is not allowed in Singapore)
  5. It does not include words such as “Academy”, “College”, “Institute”, “Institution”, “University”; and “National”, “Singapore”.

You should also check that there are no trademarks associated with your preferred company name.

How Do I Create a Unique Company Name that will Approved by ACRA?

If your preferred name is rejected by ACRA, here are some tips to help you enhance and differentiate your core company name:

  1. Add distinguishing words or features to your core business name
  2. Add your scope of services to your business name
    E.g. add “hospitality” or “hotel”
  3. Use symbols
    E.g. “+” to replace “plus”

Please note that the following attempts at differentiating your name will not be accepted by ACRA:

  1. Adding “The” to the start of your preferred name
  2. Adding business entity type to the end of your preferred name e.g. “Pte Ltd”, “Ltd”
  3. Adding countries and regions to the end of your name e.g. “Singapore”, “Asia Pacific”, “International”
  4. Using the plural version of the name

My Company Name is Available, What’s Next?

Once you’ve registered your name on ACRA, and it has been approved, your next step would be to incorporate your company!

The process of setting up a company in Singapore can be completed within a day if you have all of your documents ready.

Sponsored Content

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.

If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.