Table of Contents
Manage your membership
As a member, you can use the Member Portal to log and track queries with SAICA, eliminating the need to call the Contact Centre or send an email. You can log queries related to the following:
- CIPC operational
- Creditors
- Education
- Ethics and discipline
- Marketing
- My CPD
- SAICA initiatives
- SARS operational
- Seminars and events
- Tax practitioner administration
- Technical queries
- Training area
The difference between the member portal and website logon
- The Member Portal requires an email-based login. As a result, Member Portal login details can only be used to login to the Member Portal and cannot be used to login to the SAICA website. To login to the Member Portal, you use your email address and password for the Member Portal that you provided when you signed up for login details. If you don’t have Member Portal login details, you can obtain them by following the steps below:
- Find the Member Portal tab at the top right of the SAICA home page; or
- Follow the direct Member Portal link: https://my.saica.co.za/
- Click on Sign Up, complete the details required and complete the next steps indicated
- Note: if you have completed SAICA articles (learner-ship) or the qualifying examinations or you previously booked an event with us or are an ex-member or an ex-associate, then you have an existing online profile that you need to use to access the Member Portal. Your email address when signing up needs to be the email address SAICA has on its database
- The SAICA transactional website requires an ID based login for transactional elements. As a result, login details can only be used to perform transactions. You will be directed from the SAICA website to the transactional site via links. The transactional website credentials cannot be used to login to the Member Portal. You would be able to access the following transactional functions:
- Book for an event
- Getting your exam results
- Make a payment
- Find a training office
- Pledge to Thuthuka
- Committees
- Legal updates
- eIFRS platform
- Companies Act Guide
- Newsletter signup
For more information on why we have two separate logon credentials for the Member Portal and www.saica.org.za, please visit our Ushintsho webpage.
Pay or renew your membership subscription
Members will be able to apply for membership via the Member Portal. This new electronic process will reduce the processing times of new member applications, thereby improving the new member experience.
Members will also be able to view the status of their online membership application.
Existing members can visit their profile to renew their membership annually.
Cancel your membership
If you would like to cancel your membership it can be done via the Member Portal.
Once you’ve signed in, you can go to your profile, select manage membership and the option to resign can be selected.
Long service membership
Long service membership or associateship of SAICA is granted to:
- All members or associates with 40 years of continuous membership, in good standing
- Members or associates aged 65 or older, with 25 years’ continuous membership, in good standing
The member or associate is not required to make any application. SAICA’s membership unit compiles an annual list of eligible members from the SAICA database, and forwards the lists to the relevant regional offices.
Regional Councils have the discretion to refuse an application for election to long service membership or associateship, and no application will be processed without the prior approval of the regional council.
Members and associates who qualify for long service membership will be sent a letter from SAICA, informing them that the LSM status has been granted.
To make a payment
To make a payment towards outstanding orders, membership or payments for seminars and events.
* Please use your SAICA website login credentials to login and make a payment.
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.