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Have a question you would like answered? Email us and we may answer it. The questions here are based on ones from our readers, with identifying information removed.

Topic: Tertiary Education  |  Show questions and answers for all topics

What should Damelin students do to get refunds if they have already paid their tuition?

You first need to try resolve the issue with Damelin. If that doesn't work, you can escalate.

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I received a NSFAS loan in 2017 that was converted to a bursary in 2018. NSFAS wants me to pay the money back but I can't afford to. What should I do?

The loan repayments are contingent on your income and only begin when you are working and have an income of more than R30,000 annually. NSFAS also liaises with SARS to establish the income earned.

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Can the college where I studied withhold my certificates if I cannot pay the outstanding fees?

While the Higher Education Act of 1997 (HEA) grants the right to institutions to set policies and rules for its students, the HEA does not mention the supposed right to withhold certificates

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How can a foreign student get financial aid if they got good matric results?

It is very difficult for foreign citizens to get financial aid in South Africa. Perhaps approach the institution where you want to study and ask them if they can help you.

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How can IĀ get a South African ID so that IĀ can further my studies?

If either of your parents has permanent residency in South Africa, you would qualify to apply for permanent residence too. Then after five years, you could apply for citizenship by naturalisation.

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I was denied a student visa because my name is on an ā€œinternal control listā€ but I have never even been to South Africa. What can I do?

The simplest route would probably be to get help from an organisation that regularly deals with Home Affairs' dysfunction.

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Can a universityĀ report unpaid fees to a credit bureau?

It is usually debt collectors rather than universities that report unpaid debts to the credit bureau. You can check your credit status online.

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How do I apply for Adult Basic Education Training (ABET) if I don't have my report?

You can make an affidavit explaining your circumstances and ask your old school for a copy.

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I get an error code on my birth certificate when I try to apply for tertiary education. Is there some way around this?

You will likely need a late registration of birth certificate but you can apply for a temporary ID in the meantime.

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How should matric 2020 learners without IDs apply to tertiary education institutions?

You can still apply for a temporary ID at Home Affairs.

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