ISASA is a voluntary association of independent (private) schools. ISASA membership is open to any independent school in Southern Africa that complies with the association’s quality requirements and agrees to abide by the ISASA Conditions for Membership.
The benefits of ISASA membership are broadly divided into four categories:
- Supporting a community of colleagues
- Simplifying a school’s life
- Promoting schools’ interests and protecting their rights
- Strengthening schools’ sustainability and saving them money
The association publishes a brochure titled Why Belong to ISASA? that examines these member benefits in greater detail.
For more information on the ISASA membership process, please contact us.
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Educator Registration with the South African Council for Educators
All educators working in South African schools, public and independent, in the GET or FET bands, must be registered with SACE (the South African Council for Educators).
SACE provides for full, provisional or conditional registration of educators:
- Full Registration Status Category: Professionally qualified educators with Bachelor of Education (BEd) or first Degree / Diploma together with Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) only.
- Provisional Registration Category: BEd and PGCE student teachers in all public and recognised Private Higher Education institutions.
- Conditional Special Registration Category: Created to recognise the national priorities in schools and sectoral needs that are necessary in our schools (Performing Arts inclusive of Music, Visual Arts, Therapists and Psychologists, Areas in Focus Schools, Three Stream Model inclusive of Artisans, Schools of Skills, Technical High Schools, Waldorf and Montessori Schools, Christian / Jewish / Muslim Schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Community Education and Training (CET) Colleges).
Provisional and Conditional certificate holders are advised to renew their registrations two to three months prior to the expiry of their certificates, to ensure timeous registrations.
Requirements for Music Educators
The registration of music educators is a once-off Conditional Special Registration with SACE and does not require renewal. For full registration by SACE as a music teacher, an applicant will be required to submit proof of registration for a PGCE qualification.
Sport Coaches
Sport coaches are not required to register with SACE as they assist the school with extra-curricular activities. It is advisable that schools obtain police clearances for these individuals.
Police Clearances to be submitted to SACE
SACE requires all schools to provide police clearances of all their registered educators, not older than 6 months. They further advise that in ensuring that these clearances are accurate and valid, that schools arrange that fingerprint scanning is done at the school with the relevant staff so as to avoid fraudulent submissions.
Additional information on SACE registration is available on the SACE website.
School Registration
All independent schools have their right of establishment enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Section 29(3), which states that:
Everyone has the right to establish and maintain at their own expense, independent educational institutions that:
a) do not discriminate on the basis of race;
b) are registered with the state;
c) maintain standards that are not inferior to standards at comparable public educational institutions.
Provincial education departments (PEDs) are responsible for registering independent schools in their province. PEDs also have the responsibility to monitor independent schools to ensure effective implementation of teaching and learning programmes and the achievement of outcomes and standards of the National Curriculum Statement
Independent schools have to operate within the confines of the Constitution and national and provincial legislation. However, critical to their independence is the freedom of a school to use its professional judgement to make decisions without undue state interference.
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.