Fundi is an education finance provider. Its loans site offers student loans that are paid to institutions, and its bursary support portal lists bursaries from funders. Fundi Capital (Pty) Ltd, which provides the loans, is a registered credit provider under the National Credit Act (registration NCRCP158).
The two products work differently, so the requirements depend on which you want: a loan has to be repaid, while bursary requirements are set by each funder.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
For a Fundi student loan you must:
- Be permanently employed by the government, a corporate entity or a municipality, with a contract in place for salary deductions
- Be 18 or older and under 65
- Not be under debt review, sequestration or administration
Fundi says it offers study loans only to government workers or employees of companies that have agreements with Fundi. For bursaries, Fundi bursary portal lists opportunities such as bursaries, internships and learnerships. Each bursary listing states its own eligibility criteria, and you must be at least 18 to use the site.
Income and Affordability Requirements
Fundi bases the loan amount on your net salary, living expenses and debt repayments. Its online estimate is indicative only, and final approval, rates and terms depend on assessment. Fundi does not publish a minimum salary, so confirm this with Fundi.
Bursaries are not repaid and are not based on a loan affordability check. Each funder sets its own criteria, which can include academic average, field of study and institution.
Credit and Financial Requirements
Fundi loans are subject to credit, affordability and verification checks. The terms list an initiation fee, a monthly service fee, default charges and collection costs within National Credit Act limits, and a credit life premium where it applies. Fundi does not publish the interest rate or fee amounts; you see them in your quotation during the application.
Documents and Verification Required
For a loan, Fundi asks for:
- A certified copy of your ID
- Your latest salary slip
- A quotation or fee statement from your institution
Bursary documents differ by funder and are listed on each opportunity.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
Loans: apply online at loans.fundi.co.za. You provide applicant, banking, employment and student details, calculate the loan, review the offer and contract, and upload your documents. The institution must be accredited with Fundi, and the loan is paid directly to it, not to you.
Bursaries: browse the opportunities on the Fundi bursary portal and apply to the listing that fits you, following the steps shown in it. Compare the cost of any loan against free options first, such as bursaries and NSFAS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fundi?
Fundi is an education finance provider. It offers student loans for study, short courses, accommodation, executive and MBA programmes, and devices, and runs a portal where funders list bursaries.
Who can get a Fundi loan?
Permanent employees of the government, corporates or municipalities who have a salary-deduction contract, are aged 18 to 64, and are not under debt review, sequestration or administration.
Is Fundi a bursary?
Fundi does not award one bursary itself. Its portal lists bursaries from different funders, each with its own criteria.
Can a family member apply for me?
Fundi’s contact form asks whether a government-employed family member can apply on the student’s behalf. Because Fundi lends only to qualifying employees, contact Fundi to confirm whether your situation works.
Confirm current requirements with Fundi directly. See loan requirements and browse all finance and funding requirements.