ISASA Internships

ISASA: Internship Opportunities

The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa is the largest and oldest membership organisation for private schools in the region. ISASA serves over 850 member schools across a broad range of socio-economic and cultural communities. Our member schools educate more than 200 000 pupils.

The following Internship Opportunities are open for applications:

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: Intermediate Phase Intern

  • Be studying in 2023 towards a formal teaching qualification (B Ed/PGCE) in the Intermediate phase of education.

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: High School Intern

  • Be studying in 2023 towards a formal teaching qualification.

Durban Girls’ College: Teacher Internship

  •  The applicant must be studying towards their B.Ed. Degree, preferably in their third or fourth year, or studying towards their PGCE.

Kearsney College: Teacher Interns

  • Applicant should be should be studying towards a Bachelor of Education degree or has studied another degree and aims to obtain a PGCE.

Cornwall Hill College: Pre-school Intern

  • Provide proof of current studies / registration to study a degree in Early Childhood Development through a recognised tertiary institution.

St Peter’s Prep school: Teacher Internship

  • A valid National Senior Certificate with admission for degree purposes; APS score of 26 minimum
  • English as a Home Language = 60% or English as First Additional Language = 70%
  • Maths Literacy = 55% or Maths = 50%
  • Preferably under the age of 25
  • Internship is for those starting first year of study in the B.Ed. Foundation Phase

SAHETI School: Intern Educational Psychology

  • Must be in the final year of their Educational Psychology master’s degree from an accredited South African tertiary institution and registered with HPCSA as an intern psychologist.
  • Must have submitted their final dissertation for review
  • Must be eligible to start the Internship in 2023

Nova Pioneer: Apprentice Teacher

  • You are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and entering your third or fourth year of study OR a Bachelor’s Degree + Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
  • You will not be a qualified teacher at the start of 2022
  • You are specialising in Foundation and/ or Intermediate phase NOT Senior phase.
  • You are provisionally SACE registered
  • You have English and Mathematics teaching experience or curriculum knowledge – experience in Singapore Maths and THRASS (English) is not compulsory but ideal

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof​​​​​​​: Foundation Phase Intern

  • Be studying towards a formal teaching qualification (B Ed/PGCE) in the Foundation phase of education.

Skills and Competencies:

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  • Be flexible to assist in any aspect of teaching, and be willing to do two extra-mural activities per week.
  • Be open to being mentored and coached in order to develop pedagogy skills and competencies.
  • Learn how to integrate technology into the curriculum by using various electronic media in the classroom.
  • Be able to work in an inclusive environment.
How to Apply

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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:

  1. Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
  2. Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
  3. Complete the application form online or at a branch.
  4. Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
  5. 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.