Tick bites

By | March 6, 2025
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Tick Bites: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Ticks are small, blood-sucking parasites that can transmit various diseases to humans and animals. When a tick bites, it attaches itself to the skin and feeds on blood. It’s important to remove ticks promptly and correctly to prevent the spread of diseases. Here is everything you need to know about tick bites.

Signs and Symptoms

Common signs of a tick bite include:

  • Redness and irritation at the bite site
  • Itchiness or pain
  • A small, hard bump on the skin
  • Rash
  • Flu-like symptoms

Prevention

Here are some tips to prevent tick bites:

  • Avoid areas with high grass and leaf litter
  • Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors
  • Use insect repellent with DEET
  • Check your body and clothing for ticks after being outdoors

Removal

If you find a tick attached to your skin, here’s how to remove it:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure
  3. Clean the area with soap and water
  4. Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in alcohol

FAQs

1. How do I know if a tick has bitten me?

Common signs of a tick bite include redness, irritation, itchiness, and a small bump at the bite site.

2. Can tick bites be dangerous?

Tick bites can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

3. How soon should a tick be removed?

Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

4. Should I see a doctor after a tick bite?

If you develop a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms after a tick bite, it’s important to see a doctor.

5. How can I prevent tick bites?

Wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and avoiding tick-infested areas can help prevent tick bites.

6. Are all tick bites harmful?

Not all tick bites result in disease transmission, but it’s important to take precautions and monitor for any symptoms.

7. Can pets get tick bites?

Yes, pets can also get tick bites. It’s essential to check your pets regularly for ticks and use preventive measures.

8. How do I remove a tick from my pet?

Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick and pull it out gently. Consult your veterinarian if you need assistance.

9. Can ticks be found in urban areas?

Ticks can be found in urban and rural areas, so it’s important to be cautious regardless of your location.

10. How can I safely dispose of a tick?

You can dispose of a tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in alcohol to ensure it’s dead.

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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.
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  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.