Table of Contents
Head Office Location
the dti Campus
Block F
77 Meintjies Street
Sunnyside
Pretoria
Call Centre: 086 100 2472
International telephone number: +2712 394 9573
Always first establish processing times before calling CIPC to inquire if your application has been processed or not.
Kindly consult the CIPC Service Delivery Standards which contain the contact details and escalation process, should you require more information or to follow up on documents already submitted.
Enquiries System: Click here to lodge an enquiry via the Enquiry system.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 15:30.
Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Physical addresses of service centres with self-service terminals
Pretoria Service Centre | Johannesburg Service Centre | Cape Town Service Centre |
Sancardia Mall1st floor541 Madiba StreetArcadia0001 | Talis House Cnr Simonds and Marshall Streets Johannesburg2001 | Shop 03Norton Rose House Thibault Square Riebeek Street Cape Town |
Addresses of Partners with Self Service Terminals
Gauteng | Kwa-Zulu Natal | Western Cape |
Transnet Enterprise Development Hub Shop No 208 Level 200 150 Commissioner Street Carlton Centre Johannesburg 2001 | Durban Chamber Of Commerce And Industry Chamber Square Lion Match Office Park 892 Umgeni Road Durban Trade Investment Kingsmead Office Park Boulevard Arundel Close Stalwart Simelane Street Durban | Transnet Enterprise Development Hub West Coast Business Development Centre Building 234 Tonyn Street Saldanha |
North West | Northen Cape | Free State |
Orbit TVET College Fatima Bhayat Street Rustenburg 0300 | Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and TourismUmzimkhulu House Cnr. Kingston and Elliot Streets Kimberly 8300 | FDC Rent a Desk No.36 First Avenue Westdene Bloemfontein 9301 |
Mpumalanga | Limpopo | |
Department of Economic Development and Tourism 15 Van Rensburg Street Nelspruit 1200 | Limpopo Economic Development Agency 06 Platinum Street Polokwane |
To view services available at Self Service Terminals, click here
Postal Address Details
Companies
PO Box 429
Pretoria
0001
Intellectual Property
Private Bax X400
Pretoria
0001
Co-operatives
Private Bax X237
Pretoria
0001
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.