Bank Loans as a funding option
Financial institutions offer loans to students to pay for their studies. As a student, you may be required to service the loan and interest while you study and then pay back the capital to the financial institution as is stipulated by the bank’s terms and conditions.
Should a prospective or current undergraduate student be unsuccessful in obtaining a student bank loan, you may wish to consider crowdfunding with feenix – an online fundraising platform that was launched in June 2017 as a response to the #FeesMustFall movement that spread across university campuses in South Africa during 2015 and 2016. Feenix believes access to education should not be dependent on wealth. Standard Bank is a founding partner and feenix provide students with the tools to formalise their fundraising efforts and a channel for funders to find students they wish to support.
Student Hero
Be your future self soon, with Student Hero
Stellenbosch University has collaborated with Student Hero to assist students and their families to apply, qualify, and compare affordable student finance offers from major South African banks and alternate finance providers. It’s done form a single platform and at zero cost to the applicant.
Student Hero comprises a league of professionals, each a specialist in their field. This means the advice you receive is holistic, the solutions offered creative, and the value thereof unmatched.
For more information, visit the studenthero.co.za website or email hello@studenthero.co.za. Alternatively, to learn more and apply for affordable funding from Student Hero, WhatsApp https://wa.me/27615853490 or click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
Absa
Not sure how to pay for your studies? Talk to us, we can help you.
An Absa Study Loan offers you the opportunity to borrow funds at a low interest rate to support yourself or someone you would like to benefit from study funding. Take up a study loan with us – it could be the best thing for your future.
T&Cs apply.
Capture your call back details by clicking on the button below or visit your nearest Absa branch.
Capitec
Capitec offers education term loans to students who want to complete undergraduate studies at Stellenbosch University.
The information below has been supplied by the service provider, Capitec. Please note that Stellenbosch University is not at all involved in the application, selection, nor administration of any Capitec education term loan.
Unlock your potential with Capitec Education Finance
Fund your future with an education term loan from Capitec Education Finance, You could get up to R500 000 at a discounted fixed interest rate and up to 84 months to pay.
See if you qualify and get a free estimate in 3 easy steps, or apply online today.
Why use Capitec Education Finance?
- Lower monthly payments to fit your budget
- Apply online or in-branch – the choice is yours
- We pay the educational institution directly so you don’t have to worry about it
How does it work?
- Get an estimate to see if you qualify and what you could get
- If you qualify, we’ll contact you to finalise your application
- Once your application is approved, we’ll pay the educational institution for you
- You repay the credit to us with a monthly debit order
How do I apply?
You can scan the QR code above, apply online and get a reply in 5 minutes, or email us at info@capiteceducationfinance.co.za
For more information, visit capiteceducationfinance.co.za or contact us at info@capiteceducationfinance.co.za.
Nedbank student loans
A flexible solution for full-time or part-time studies
- Our loans are suitable for both full-time and part-time students
- You can pay back your student loan while you study or once you have graduated
- You can also benefit from special interest rates that are linked to your academic performance
1. Student loan without surety
This student loan enables you to get funding without needing a parent or guardian to qualify.
Benefits
- this loan covers tuition, books and study equipment, accommodation, and existing historical debt
- affordable interest rates
- no repayments while you’re studying
How it works
- you need to be a Standard Bank customer. If you don’t have a bank account, you can apply online on the Standard Bank website.
- your gross household income must be less than R600 000 annually (less than R50 000 per month)
- you need to be a third-year student and upwards within science, technology, engineering, mathematics, commerce, or health sciences; or a fifth-year student and upwards within medicine
Who can apply?
This loan is available to a third-year student and upwards within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields of study; or a fifth-year student and upwards within medicine. See the full list here for eligible study programmes.
Apply online
Firstly, have the following documents ready
- South African ID
- Proof of residence, not older than three (3) months
- Proof of gross household income
- Proof of latest academic results
- Stellenbosch University registration letter
- If you require funding for books and study equipment, then proof of cost if it’s over R6 000
- If you require funding for accommodation, then your lease agreement reflecting the cost of accommodation
- Statement of University tuition or residence cost (if funding is required)
then Apply here to complete your application.
2. FMHS fund model
Who can apply?
This loan is available to an FMHS-registered student as follows:
- Fourth year: BNurMid; BSc Occupational Therapy; BSc Physiotherapy; BSc Speech Language & Hearing Therapy
- Fifth year: MBChB
- Sixth year: MBChB
How to apply
Please visit the CUBL bursary office, Room 1044, Clinical Building on Tygerberg campus and speak to a bursary officer.
3. Full-time student loan
This student loan is for full-time students who need a surety to co-sign the student loan. Your surety can be a parent, guardian or anyone willing to co-sign.
Benefits
- this student loan enables you to study locally or abroad. We also fund Private Pilot’s License
- low interest rates
- no maximum tuition
How it works
- your surety needs to earn a minimum income of R3 000 per month
- your surety is responsible for servicing the interest and fees while you study, or if you default on your repayments
- you will be granted a grace period of six (6) months after completing your studies before taking over the loan repayments
Apply online
Firstly, have the following documentation ready
- Copy of ID (student and surety)
- Proof of residence, not only than three (3) months (student and surety)
- Three (3) months’ payslips (surety), and three (3) months’ bank statements if the surety does not bank with Standard Bank
- Proof of latest academic results
- Stellenbosch University registration letter
- Acceptance letter or proof of registration from Stellenbosch University
- Proof of costs for tuition, accommodation, and textbooks and/or equipment
then Apply here to complete your application.
4. Part-time student loan
Benefits
- you can insure your student loan in case of death, disability, or dread disease
- affordable interest rates
- no maximum tuition
How it works
- you need to earn a minimum monthly income of R5 000 to qualify
- you will be required to repay the loan while you study
Apply online
Firstly, have the following documentation ready
- Copy of Id
- Proof of residence, not older than three (3) months
- Three (3) months’ payslips, and three (3) months’ bank statements if you do not bank with Standard Bank
- Proof of latest academic results
- Stellenbosch University registration letter
- Acceptance letter or proof of registration from Stellenbosch University
- Proof of costs for tuition, accommodation, and textbooks and/or equipment
then Apply here to complete your application.
Any questions?
Read the Standard Bank student loan article to learn more about student loans and how they work.
Fundi student loan offering
Unlocking more for your educational journey
Fundi understands that pursuing higher education comes with dreams, goals, and sometimes financial challenges. That’s why they’re there to support you every step of the way.
Their student loan offering is designed to empower you on your academic journey. Here’s how they can help you:
1. Tuition fees
Don’t let tuition fees stand in the way of your dreams. Fundi student loans cover a significant portion of your tuition costs, ensuring you can focus on your studies without enduring the woes of financial stress.
2. Registration fees
Starting your educational journey should be a seamless experience. That’s why Fundi assists you with registration fees, ensuring you have a hassle-free entry into your chosen study programme.
3. Outstanding balances
Got outstanding balances? Don’t worry, Fundi is here to help you settle them. Fund believes that past challenges shouldn’t hinder your progress, and they’re dedicated to providing the support you need.
4. Study tools and materials
Embrace the digital age of learning with confidence. Fundi can cover expenses for essential study tools like laptops and prescribed study materials, equipping you for success in your courses.
Join countless students who have realised their potential with Fundi’s student loans. Fundi’s commitment goes beyond financial support; it’s about empowering you to achieve your academic goals and shape a brighter future.
Apply for a Fundi student loan today and embark on a journey that’s not just about education but about fulfilling your aspirations.
If you have any queries, please call Thorn Williams on 061 370 1028 or email thornw@fundi.co.za for assistance.
Manati Alternate Student Funding
Growing a smart future with an alternative funding solution
Manati Alternate Student Funding is a student funding organisation providing innovative funding solutions. They are a unique funder as they consider joint household income and have a more lenient credit criterion. As an alternative loan providing platform, their typical client would not, under normal circumstances, qualify for a bank loan or a student loan.
Manati will support you every step of the way, helping you get your studies off to a flying start.
For more information, visit www.manati.co.za or email applications@manati.co.za.
Alternatively, to learn more and apply for affordable funding from Manati, open this chat link or WhatsApp Manati.
Contact Us
Any funding or bursary questions?
Please log a ticket on our service desk portal. To ensure a prompt and efficient response, include your SU student number, a clear description of the issue, and select the relevant category when creating your ticket.
Alternatively, please contact SU Client Services on 021 808 9111. When prompted, select 1 for assistance in English or 2 for assistance in Afrikaans. Please note that we receive a high volume of calls, particularly during peak periods, which may lead to longer waiting times. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to make use of the service desk portal.
To log a ticket on the service desk portal, please follow these steps:
- Access the service desk portal by typing “SU Service Desk” in your browser or clicking here
- Log In with your SU credentials. If you do not have an SU profile, create a new account with a valid email address and password.
- Navigate to Student Finances, then select “Student Fees” or “Undergraduate Bursaries.”
- Complete the query form by providing a clear description of your issue, including your SU student number and any supporting documents if applicable. Then, click "Create" to submit your ticket. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
Stellenbosch campus
Physical Address
Admin A Building, Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch 7600
Please note:
Admin A is temporarily closed for major renovations, with completion expected in 2026. This forms part of SU’s ongoing commitment to enhancing our campus spaces to be more inclusive, accessible, and student-centred.
During this period, Admin A services have been relocated to:
Inorganic Chemistry Building
Bosman St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
Office hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 – 16:30
+27 21 808 9111
Tygerberg campus
Physical Address
Clinical Building, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg 7505
Office hours
Monday to Friday 8:00 – 16:30