Education opens doors to success, but for many graduates, student debt becomes a major obstacle. The Eastern Cape Office of the Premier, in collaboration with MERSETA, has launched the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative, setting aside R70 million to assist young graduates in clearing their outstanding student debts. This opportunity is available only to those who have completed their studies in MERSETA-related fields.
If you have outstanding debt from a MERSETA-related qualification, now is the time to apply for financial relief. Here’s everything you need to know about the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative and how you can benefit.
Who Qualifies for the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative?
To qualify for this MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Reside in the Eastern Cape
- Have completed a qualification in one of the MERSETA-related fields
- Have outstanding student debt at any of the participating institutions:
- Nelson Mandela University
- Rhodes University
- University of Fort Hare
- One of the eight TVET Colleges in the Eastern Cape:
- Ingwe TVET College
- Ikhala TVET College
- Buffalo City College (BCC)
- Eastcape Midlands College (EMCOL)
- King Hintsa TVET College
- King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) TVET College
- Port Elizabeth College (PE College)
- Lovedale College
Important: Students who have not completed their studies do not qualify for this initiative.
Which Qualifications Are Eligible?
The MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative focuses on graduates from MERSETA-related fields. If you completed a qualification in one of the following areas, you may be eligible for debt relief:
Engineering & Technology Fields
- Operations Management
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Computer Sciences
Business & Management Fields
- Financial Accounting
- Human Resources
- Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
- Information Technology
If your qualification falls within these areas, you should apply immediately to take advantage of this opportunity.
What Documents Are Required for Application?
To complete your application for the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative, you must provide the following documents:
- Clear copy of your South African ID
- Signed and stamped Completion Letter (from your institution) OR Certificate / Academic Record showing the qualification obtained and the date
- Learner Agreement Form
Submitting all the required documents will help speed up the application process and increase your chances of approval.
How to Apply for the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative?
If you meet the requirements, you need to contact the relevant representative at your institution. Here are the key contact details:
| Institution | Contact Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Ikhala TVET College | Z. Ntantsio | zoliswa.ntantsio@ikhala.edu.za |
| Ingwe TVET College | Z. Nongogo | znongogo@ingwecollege.edu.za |
| King Hintsa TVET College | V. Swelini | viwes@kinghintsacollege.edu.za |
| Buffalo City College (BCC) | O. Kwababana | OKwababana@bccollege.co.za |
| Lovedale College | T. Mehlo | Thoneka.Mehlo@lovedale.org.za |
| KSD TVET College | T. Dauwua | tdauwua@ksdtvet.edu.za |
| EMCOL (Eastcape Midlands College) | S. Nqwadla | snqwadla@ksdtvet.edu.za |
| PE College (Port Elizabeth College) | M. Joseph | maggiej@pec.edu.za |
| Nelson Mandela University | F. Abdulla | Fazlur.Abdulla@mandela.ac.za |
| Rhodes University | W. Walters | e.walters@ru.ac.za |
| University of Fort Hare | S. Adams | SAdams@ufh.ac.za |
Alternatively, you can contact them via phone for quick queries.
- General Contact Number: 043 704 9251
- Alternative Contact: 066 475 7479
Why Should You Apply for the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative?
- Become debt-free – The MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative will clear your outstanding student debt.
- Career opportunities – Without financial stress, you can focus on job opportunities and career growth.
- Limited funding – With R70 million allocated, the funds will be used until they are exhausted. Apply early to secure your place.
- Simple application process – If you qualify and submit the required documents, you could be approved.
The deadline for applications is 28 February 2025. Do not miss out on this opportunity.
Final Thoughts on the MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative
The MERSETA Student Debt Relief Initiative is a life-changing opportunity for young graduates struggling with unpaid student debt. If you meet the criteria, apply immediately to take advantage of this financial relief.
This initiative offers a chance to start fresh, free from debt, and ready to build a successful career. If you know someone who might qualify, share this information with them today.
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