Hey future change-makers and dreamers! Are you a student from Royal Bafokeng with big university dreams but need a little financial boost? Well, you’re in luck because we’re diving into the awesome Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) Student Loan for the 2026 academic year!
The Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) is here to help students like you achieve your higher education goals. Founded in 2007 by the Royal Bafokeng Nation in the North West, RBI focuses on giving out-of-school youth, especially, the skills they need through Technical, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) programmes. This student loan is specifically designed to support undergraduate students residing in Royal Bafokeng, helping you secure your spot at universities in the North West or Gauteng provinces.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this fantastic student loan, you need to tick a few boxes. Make sure you meet all these requirements, or your application might not be considered:
- You must be a proud South African citizen.
- You need to be a resident of Royal Bafokeng.
- You must be planning to study for an undergraduate degree in one of the specific fields listed below, at an accredited public university in North West or Gauteng.
- You must show a genuine financial need, which will be checked based on your household income.
- You should have achieved a minimum APS score of 30 (this excludes Life Orientation). You can use the official RBI guide to calculate your APS.
- You need to have applied for NSFAS funding.
Here are the undergraduate study fields covered by this loan (at North West or Gauteng universities):
- Accounting and Auditing (BCom)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd – Foundation Phase or Senior/FET Phase) – specifically at North-West University (NWU)
- Engineering
- Fine Arts (BA) – for studies at a University of Technology
- Health Sciences (excluding BSc in Medical Science and Acupuncture)
- Law (LLB)
- Social Work (BA)
What Does It Cover?
The Royal Bafokeng Institute Student Loan is designed to ease your financial burden, helping you cover essential university expenses. While the exact coverage details aren’t specified here, student loans typically assist with tuition fees, accommodation, prescribed books, and other study-related costs. This support ensures you can focus on your studies without constant financial worry.
How to Apply?
Ready to get your application in? Follow these steps carefully:
- **Step 1: Apply to University!** First things first, make sure you’ve applied to study at a public university in either North West or Gauteng for the 2026 academic year.
- **Step 2: Gather Your Documents!** Start collecting clear copies of the following documents. Remember, submitting all of these is super important, so don’t leave anything out!
- Your ID document (certified copy, not older than 3 months).
- Your Grade 11 final results and latest Matric results (if you’re currently in Matric) – certified copies.
- Your final Matric results/certificate (if you’ve completed Matric) – certified copy.
- Your academic transcript (if you’re currently studying at university) – certified copy.
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ household income (original payslip if employed, or an affidavit if unemployed).
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents (certified copies, not older than 3 months).
- Proof that you’ve applied for NSFAS funding (you’ll need to submit this within 7 days after the 2026 NSFAS application window opens).
- Proof of University acceptance (this will be required when it’s time to finalise your loan).
- A recommendation letter from your Kgosana. (Need tips on this? Check out our guide on how to get a great reference letter for your bursary application!)
Delivery Address: Sun City Road (R565), Salema, Phokeng 0335
If you have any questions or need more info, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Royal Bafokeng Institute directly:
- **Tel:** 014 566 1400
- **Email:** rbienquiries@bafokeng.com
This is an incredible opportunity to get the financial backing you need for your studies. If this sounds like the right student loan for you, don’t wait – apply now before the deadline and explore even more funding opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!