Finding the best student loans in South Africa
Are you dreaming of becoming a doctor, lawyer, or designer? Whatever your dream is, this form of finance can take you there. There are, however, a lot of things to consider before submitting your application.
Things you need to consider before applying
Talk to anyone who is currently repaying their credit, and they will most likely tell you the same thing. Most people wish they knew several things before they applied for this type of finance.
One of the most widespread misconceptions about student loans is that they are “good debt”. Indeed, getting into debt to pay for your education is probably better than going into debt to pay for an iPhone. We can all agree, however, that eventually, both credits have to be paid back. A debt is a debt, no matter what you call it.
How much can I afford?
One thing you should consider is that getting approved doesn’t mean you can afford to pay it back. Before you submit your application, you need to take a look at how much your total repayment will be. That is what will help you to decide whether you can afford the finance or not.
If it doesn’t seem like you’ll comfortably make the repayments, you might need to avoid borrowing.
Student loans vs other forms of debt
Student loans are quite different from other types of debt, like personal loans. The key difference is that with this form of credit, you can never officially declare bankruptcy.
Firstly, anyone who is about to apply needs to understand that no matter what happens, they will have to pay it back. If you fail to repay your debt, your lender can take your wages, and there is little you can do to stop them.
Secondly, if you owe your credit card company and you are considering bankruptcy, they will do everything possible to ensure they get something back. A student loan company will not do that; they know they are getting their money from you no matter what.
Therefore, one solid fact remains: If you borrow money, you have to be sure you will pay it back. Unlike secure loans, the collateral of the student loan is YOU.
A checklist before applying for student loans
Below is a checklist for responsible borrowing:
- calculate how much money you already owe, and how much you need for each remaining year of college;
- student loans have different interest rates, find out how much yours is by using the calculator on this page;
- find out if there are any extra fees and fixed standard bank charges by clicking the “view fees and additional info” below each product;
- calculate the total amount of money you will have to pay after you graduate;
- compare different options and the available payment plans;
- think about how much you might be making after you graduate; and
- decide if this is something you can afford.
How to apply for student loans
You can either make an application online or by visiting a branch of the providing company. The company will then provide details on how you can make your application.
Requirements
Institutions that provide credits for students in South African generally have the following requirements.
- the student has to be over 18 years of age;
- proof of registration with a South African tertiary institution;
- your latest examination results from the Department of Education;
- an invoice showing fees, accommodation costs, and required textbooks;
- some companies require you to open an account;
- state whether you are studying full time or part-time; and
- year of study.
What to avoid when applying for a student loan
While they might offer you a way to access money for your education, you should always consider your ability to pay back before you apply. Furthermore, borrowing money is a serious expense to take on, so you should consider your financial circumstances.
- You should never use money obtained from this type of credit for anything else other than the intended purpose.
- It is not a good idea to begin your adult life with debt. If you do not need it, then avoid taking one at all costs.
- Never take on debt without first comparing the available options. Some products are better than others, and you might miss out on better opportunities if you do not do your research.
Are student loans good or bad?
It’s difficult to say whether it is a good or bad idea to apply for finance because it largely depends on the circumstances. If taking a study loan to pay for your tuition fees is the only way for you to continue with your education, then it would be a great idea to apply for one.
When am I required to start paying back a student credit in South Africa?
Most lenders usually allow the student a grace period of about 3-6 months after graduating before they expect them to start paying back. The idea is to give the young graduate a fair chance to find a job and earn an income.
As a closing remark, the loan providers listed on this page are all registered credit providers operating under the National Credit Act. As such, these financial services institutions will lend you responsibly.
Popular personal loans searches
View all lenders
