Fundi is a financial service provider that works in collaboration with NSFAS to distribute allowances to eligible students. Once your NSFAS allowances are approved, they are processed through the Fundi system, ensuring timely and secure payments. Fundi NSFAS allows students to access their funds for living expenses, books, accommodation, and other essentials via cash payments made directly to students.
Who Qualifies for NSFAS Funding?
To benefit from the Fundi NSFAS system, students must first qualify for NSFAS funding. Eligibility requirements differ slightly between NSFAS bursaries and loans:
- For a Bursary:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Combined household income should not exceed R350,000 per annum before deductions.
- For a Loan:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Combined household income should be between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum before deductions.
NSFAS aims to assist students from low- and middle-income households, making higher education more accessible for those who need financial support.
How Does the Fundi NSFAS Payment Process Work?
When a student’s NSFAS application is approved and their allowance is credited to their account, the following steps take place:
- Receive an SMS Notification
- Students receive an SMS from Fundi instructing them to upload their banking details.
- Confirm Banking Details
- The uploaded banking information is verified by Fundi. This step is crucial to avoid any delays or incorrect payments.
- Receive Payment
- After confirming the details, the allowance is transferred to the student’s account for use as needed.
Note: It’s important to respond promptly to the SMS request for banking details to ensure there are no disruptions in receiving funds.
How to Check Your NSFAS Balance on Fundi
Keeping track of your NSFAS balance can help you manage your expenses throughout the academic year. Here’s how to check your NSFAS balance on the Fundi system:
- Register on the Fundi Website
- Visit the Fundi website and create an account if you haven’t already.
- Dial 13487646# on Your Phone
- On your mobile device, dial 13487646# and select Option 2.
- Your Fundi account details and balance will be sent to you via SMS.
This quick balance check feature ensures you have instant access to your NSFAS funds, helping you manage your budget effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fundi NSFAS
1. What can NSFAS funds be used for?
NSFAS funds, once disbursed through Fundi, cover essential student expenses, including accommodation, study materials, living allowances, and more.
2. How long does it take for Fundi to process payments?
After confirming banking details, payments are typically processed swiftly. However, delays can happen, so it’s crucial to check with Fundi customer support if there’s an issue.
3. Can international students use Fundi NSFAS?
Currently, NSFAS is only available to South African citizens and permanent residents, making it unavailable to international students.
4. What should I do if I don’t receive the SMS to upload my banking details?
Contact the Fundi customer support center or your institution’s financial aid office to ensure your details are updated and your NSFAS status is accurate.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.