Quick Facts

• Only 2 major options exist: NSFAS and Standard Bank (with strict conditions)
• NSFAS is free funding for household income below R350,000 per year
• Standard Bank offers no-surety loans for 3rd year+ students in specific fields
• Most other banks (FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, Capitec) require guarantors
• Beware of scammers charging upfront fees – legitimate lenders never do this

What Is a Guarantor (Surety)?

A guarantor is someone who promises to pay back your student loan if you cannot. This person is usually your parent or guardian.

Banks ask for guarantors because students typically have no income. The guarantor must earn enough money to cover the monthly loan payments. Most banks require guarantors to earn at least R3,000 per month.

However, some students cannot find a guarantor. Their parents might not earn enough money or might have a poor credit record. This is where loans without guarantors become important.

✅ Option 1: NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)

Best for: Students from low-income households attending public universities or TVET colleges

How NSFAS Works

NSFAS is government funding that does not require a guarantor. It is now a bursary (not a loan), which means you do not pay it back if you pass your courses.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS?

You can apply for NSFAS if:

• You are a South African citizen
• Your combined household income is below R350,000 per year (or R600,000 if you have a disability)
• You are studying at a public university or TVET college
• You have not completed a qualification before (first undergraduate degree only)

What NSFAS Covers

• Tuition fees: Paid directly to your university or college
• Accommodation: Up to set amounts for residence or private accommodation
• Books and learning materials: Allowance for textbooks
• Transport: Travel allowance (if you live far from campus)
• Food allowance: Monthly meal allowance

How to Apply for NSFAS

Application dates for 2026: Applications opened in September 2025 and close on 15 November 2025.

1. Visit the NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
2. Create an account or log in if you applied before
3. Complete the online application form
4. Upload required documents (ID, proof of income, acceptance letter)
5. Submit your application before the deadline

Contact NSFAS

Toll-free number: 0800 067 327
Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Website: www.nsfas.org.za

✅ Option 2: Standard Bank Student Loan Without Surety

Best for: 3rd year+ students in STEM, Commerce, or Health Sciences with household income below R600,000

How It Works

Standard Bank offers a special student loan option that does not require a guarantor. However, this option has strict requirements. Not all students qualify for it.

Who Qualifies?

You can apply for a Standard Bank loan without surety if you meet ALL these conditions:

• You are a South African citizen
• Your household income is below R600,000 per year
• You are in 3rd year or higher for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths), Commerce, or Health Sciences
• OR you are in 5th year or higher for Medicine
• You have a Standard Bank transactional account (you can open one if you do not have one)
• You are studying at an accredited South African institution

Loan Details

• Maximum amount: Up to R120,000 per year
• Interest rate: Approximately 11.25% (as of 2025)
• What it covers: Tuition (up to institutional costs), accommodation (up to R60,000/year), textbooks and equipment (up to R20,000/year)
• Minimum amount: R5,000
• When you repay: You start repaying 6 months after you complete your studies or secure employment
• During studies: No repayment required while you are still studying

Documents Needed

• South African ID (certified copy)
• Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
• Proof of household income (payslips, bank statements)
• Latest academic results
• University registration letter or acceptance letter
• Statement of university costs (tuition, residence)
• Proof of textbook and equipment costs (if over R6,000)

How to Apply

1. Visit the Standard Bank website: www.standardbank.co.za/studentloans
2. Click on “Student Loan Without Surety”
3. Check if you meet all eligibility requirements
4. Apply online or visit your nearest Standard Bank branch
5. Upload all required documents
6. Wait for Standard Bank to do a risk assessment

Note: You must reapply every year for multi-year courses.

Contact Standard Bank

Call centre: 0860 123 000
Website: www.standardbank.co.za/studentloans

🚫 Other Banks – Guarantor Required

As of November 2025, all other major South African banks require a guarantor for student loans. Here is what each bank requires:

FNB Student Loan

• Guarantor requirement: Yes, must earn at least R3,000 per month
• Loan amount: Up to R360,000
• Interest rate: From prime minus 0.5% (approximately 6.75% to 16.25%)
• Contact: 087 730 5596

ABSA Study Loan

• Guarantor requirement: Yes, must earn at least R3,000 per month
• Minimum amount: R15,000 per year
• Interest rate: From prime (competitive rates)
• Contact: 0860 100 372

Nedbank Student Loan

• Guarantor requirement: Yes, must have good credit standing
• Loan amount: Up to R400,000 over 7 years
• Special feature: Interest rates linked to academic performance (better grades = lower interest)
• Contact: 0860 555 111

Capitec Student Loan

• Guarantor requirement: Yes (or proof of income)
• Loan amount: Up to R500,000
• Interest rate: Based on credit profile
• Contact: Visit nearest branch

Comparison Table: Student Loans Without Guarantors

Feature	NSFAS	Standard Bank No-Surety
Guarantor Required?	No	No
Income Limit	Below R350,000/year (or R600,000 with disability)	Below R600,000/year
Year of Study	Any year (1st year onwards)	3rd year+ (STEM/Commerce/Health), 5th year+ (Medicine)
Institutions	Public universities and TVET colleges only	Accredited universities and colleges
Maximum Amount	Full costs covered	R120,000/year
Repayment	No repayment if you pass (it’s a bursary)	Starts 6 months after studies or employment
Interest Rate	0% (free)	Approximately 11.25%
Best For	Low-income students at public institutions	Middle-income students in 3rd year+ in specific fields

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Student Loans Without Guarantors

Step 1: Check If You Qualify

Before applying, make sure you meet all requirements for either NSFAS or Standard Bank. Check your household income, year of study, and field of study.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need:

• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement – not older than 3 months)
• Proof of household income (parents’ payslips, bank statements, SASSA letter if applicable)
• Latest academic results (matric certificate or university results)
• University acceptance letter or registration confirmation
• Statement of account from your university (showing fees)

Step 3: Apply Early

Do not wait until the last minute. NSFAS applications close in November each year. Standard Bank accepts applications throughout the year, but it is best to apply at least 3 months before you need the money.

Step 4: Complete the Application

• For NSFAS: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and create an online account. Fill in all sections carefully.
• For Standard Bank: Visit www.standardbank.co.za/studentloans or go to a branch. A bank consultant can help you apply.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Make sure all documents are clear and readable. File sizes should be under 2MB. NSFAS and Standard Bank accept PDF or JPG files.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

• NSFAS: Processing can take several weeks or months. Check your status regularly on the NSFAS portal.
• Standard Bank: You should get a response within 7 to 14 working days.

Step 7: Accept the Offer

If approved, you must sign a loan agreement (for Standard Bank) or an agreement form (for NSFAS). Read all terms carefully before signing.

Step 8: Track Your Funding

Money is usually paid directly to your university for tuition. Allowances for books, accommodation, and food (NSFAS) are paid to you. Keep track of these payments and report any problems immediately.

🚨 Warning: Avoid Student Loan Scams

Scammers target students who need funding. They know students are desperate. In 2025, student loan scams are increasing across South Africa.

Common Scam Tactics

1. Advance Fee Scams

Scammers ask you to pay money upfront before you get the loan. They might call this an “administration fee”, “processing fee”, “insurance fee”, or “application fee”.

The truth: Legitimate lenders like NSFAS and banks NEVER ask for upfront fees. They deduct fees from the loan amount after approval.

2. Guaranteed Approval Promises

Scammers promise you will definitely get approved, regardless of your credit record or income. They say things like “100% guaranteed approval” or “Bad credit? No problem!”

The truth: All legitimate lenders assess your application. No one can guarantee approval without checking your information first.

3. Fake NSFAS Applications

Scammers create fake websites that look like the real NSFAS site. They collect your personal information and money. In 2025, scammers even approached students offering to “fix” their NSFAS applications for R1,200.

The truth: The only official NSFAS website is www.nsfas.org.za. NSFAS applications are always free.

4. Phishing Messages

You receive an SMS or WhatsApp message saying you are approved for a student loan. The message asks you to click a link or provide your banking details.

The truth: Banks and NSFAS do not approve loans via SMS. They do not ask for your banking details or PIN via WhatsApp.

Red Flags – How to Spot a Scam

• They contact you first (you did not apply)
• They ask for money before approving your loan
• They want payment via untraceable methods (cash, Bitcoin, gift cards)
• They create urgency (“offer expires today”, “limited spaces”)
• The website address is slightly different from the official site
• They have no physical address or valid contact number
• They are not registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR)
• The interest rates seem too good to be true

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify the lender: Check if they are registered with the National Credit Regulator. Call the NCR at 0860 627 627 or search on www.ncr.org.za
2. Never pay upfront: Legitimate lenders do not charge application fees before approval
3. Use official websites: Type the website address yourself. Do not click on links in SMS or email messages
4. Check contact details: Call the official number (find it on the company’s website). Ask them to confirm the offer
5. Meet in person: Visit the bank branch yourself. Do not send money to people you only met online
6. Read the contract: Before signing anything, read all terms and conditions carefully
7. Trust your instinct: If something feels wrong, it probably is. Walk away

What to Do If You Are Scammed

1. Stop all contact with the scammer immediately
2. Report to your bank if you gave them your banking details
3. Report to NSFAS at 0800 067 327 if it involves fake NSFAS applications
4. Report to SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre) for fraud
5. Report to the police at your nearest police station
6. Report to NCR at 0860 627 627 if a fake lender is involved
7. Report online at www.yima.org.za (scam reporting website)

Alternative Funding Options

If you do not qualify for NSFAS or Standard Bank’s no-surety option, here are other ways to fund your studies:

1. University Bursaries

Most universities offer their own bursaries and scholarships. These are based on academic merit, financial need, or both. Visit your university’s financial aid office or website to see what is available.

Major universities with bursaries:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
• Stellenbosch University
• University of Pretoria (UP)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• UNISA (for distance learning students)

2. Corporate Bursaries

Many companies offer bursaries in exchange for you working for them after graduation. These bursaries often cover full costs.

Examples by industry:

• Banking: Nedbank, Standard Bank, ABSA, FNB (for finance, accounting, economics students)
• Engineering: Sasol, Eskom, Transnet (for mechanical, civil, electrical engineering)
• Technology: Vodacom, MTN, Huawei (for IT, software development, cybersecurity)
• Retail: Woolworths, Shoprite, Sun International (for business management, logistics, hospitality)

3. Government Bursaries

• Funza Lushaka Bursary: For students studying to become teachers. Covers tuition, accommodation, and living allowance. You must teach in a public school after graduation. Website: www.fundza-lushaka.co.za
• Department of Health Bursaries: For nursing and medical students. You may need to work in government hospitals after graduation.
• National Research Foundation (NRF): For postgraduate students (Honours, Masters, PhD) doing research. Website: www.nrf.ac.za

4. Fundi Student Loans

Fundi is a private education finance company. They offer student loans that cover tuition, accommodation, and study materials. However, Fundi typically requires a guarantor or proof of income.

Website: www.fundi.co.za

5. Part-Time Work

Many students work part-time to help pay for their studies. Consider:

• Campus jobs (library assistant, tutor, admin work)
• Retail jobs (shops, restaurants)
• Online work (freelance writing, graphic design, virtual assistance)
• Holiday work during long vacations

6. Crowdfunding

Some students use crowdfunding platforms to raise money for their studies. Share your story on social media and ask family, friends, and community members to contribute small amounts.

Popular platforms: BackaBuddy, GivenGain

Where to Find More Bursaries

These websites list hundreds of available bursaries in South Africa:

• www.bursaries-southafrica.co.za
• www.zabusaries.com
• www.allbursaries.co.za
• www.careersportal.co.za

⚠️ Important Things to Remember

About NSFAS

• NSFAS is a bursary, not a loan. You do not repay it if you pass your courses.
• If you fail or drop out without a good reason, you may need to repay some funding.
• NSFAS only funds South African citizens at public universities and TVET colleges.
• Private universities and colleges are not covered by NSFAS.
• You must reapply every year and maintain good academic performance.

About Standard Bank No-Surety Loan

• This option is only for students in 3rd year or higher in specific fields.
• You must have a Standard Bank account (you can open one when you apply).
• You will repay this loan with interest after completing your studies.
• Standard Bank does a risk assessment. Not everyone who applies is approved.
• You must reapply each year for funding.

General Tips

• Start your applications early. Do not wait until the last minute.
• Keep copies of all documents you submit.
• Follow up regularly to check the status of your application.
• Be honest in your applications. False information can lead to rejection or legal problems.
• Read all loan agreements carefully before signing.
• Keep your contact details updated so funders can reach you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a student loan without a guarantor in South Africa is difficult, but not impossible. As of November 2025, you have only two main options:

If your household income is below R350,000 per year: Apply for NSFAS. This is free funding that you do not repay if you pass your courses. It is the best option for low-income students.

If you are in 3rd year or higher in STEM, Commerce, or Health Sciences: Apply for Standard Bank’s Student Loan Without Surety if your household income is below R600,000 per year. Remember, you will repay this loan with interest.

If you do not qualify for either option: Look into university bursaries, corporate bursaries, or other government funding options. You can also consider finding a guarantor to access loans from FNB, ABSA, Nedbank, or Capitec.

Stay safe from scams: Never pay money upfront for a loan. Always verify that lenders are registered with the National Credit Regulator. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Apply early, gather all required documents, and follow up regularly. With determination and the right information, you can find funding for your studies. Good luck!