Undergraduate Admission
Degree: The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by the Council for General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) with an achievement rating of 4 (adequate achievement, 50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the recognised 20-credit NSC subjects. In addition, applicants must have a minimum point score of 26. A grade 12 certificate with a bachelor or matric exemption is required if grade 12 has been achieved.
Diploma: The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 3 (moderate achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.
Certificate: The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi.
To be considered for admission to specific programmes, applicants are required to have the appropriate combinations of recognised National Senior Certificate subjects as well as certain levels of achievement in these subjects.
Scoring scale
Calculation of admission point score
| Matric | NSC level | Percentage | Score |
| A+ | 7 | 90 – 100 | 9.0 – 10 |
| A | 7 | 80 – 89 | 8.0 – 8.9 |
| B | 6 | 70 – 79 | 7.0 – 7.9 |
| C | 5 | 60 – 69 | 6.0 – 6.9 |
| D | 4 | 50 – 59 | 5.0 – 5.9 |
| E | 3 | 40 – 49 | 4.0 – 4.9 |
| F | 2 | 30 – 39 | 0 |
| G | 1 | 0 – 29 | 0 |
Unless the Senate grants special permission, modules taken outside a prescribed curriculum, i.e “extra-curricula” modules, shall be subject to the same admission requirements as modules taken within the prescribed curriculum for a degree or diploma.
N.B. Achievement of the minimum requirement does not guarantee an applicant admission to any programme. The minimum points for admission to a bachelor’s degree study is 26 and can be reviewed by Senate from time to time.
Remember to attach the following documents with your application:
• Upload copies of the following documents in PDF format when you apply for undergraduate studies:
- Your ID or passport.
- Your Grade 11 final results with the school’s stamp.
- Your academic record only if you are a current student at another institution of higher learning.
- Academic record and certificate of good conduct (if you have already studied at a tertiary institution).
- Copy of study /residence permit / medical insurance /SAQA Evaluation Certificate (if you are an international applicant).
- Proof of payment (R100 application fee) payable on ABSA account no 1000 000 589 and use your ID number or student number as your reference.
Admission means approval to report for registration as a student of the University.
Application for admission must be made online or on the prescribed form, which must be accompanied by the following:
- (i) a testimonial of good conduct;
- (ii) a Matriculation/NSC/NCV certificate or, if not
- (iii) yet available, some form of proof that the prospective student complies with the necessary requirements for the degree for which s/he desire to register for or a statement of last school symbol achieved;
- (iv) application fee -; non-refundable
- (v) Copy of page 1 of Identity Document/Passport.
No person shall be admitted as a candidate for a degree unless he has obtained the NSC/NCV /with an achievement rating of 4 and above and meeting the specified appropriate level of – APS Score subject achievement for that particular Qualification, Matriculation Certificate of Higher Education South Africa (HESA), a certificate of exemption from the Matriculation examination as approved by UMALUSI. It may be required of a prospective student to pass an entrance test before being granted permission to register. Alternatively, it may be required of a student to take special modules in certain disciplines.
Appropriate prior learning in a specified area of study may also be recognised. The criteria to assess prior learning shall be determined by Senate.
Related Resources
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.
