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Dear Sumaya 

Thank you for your questions regarding information about education financial assistance options and ideas about other career fields to explore.The following sources of loan and bursary information are available:

• Contact the Financial Aid Office of Further Education and Training (College) and Higher Education (University, University of Technology) Institutions for information on the bursaries and loans you may apply for at that institution.

• National Student Financial Aid Scheme (https://www.nsfas.org.za). Students wishing to apply for funding for their studies from the NSFAS should apply at the Financial Aid Office of the public university or the Student Support Centre of a public Further Education and Training (FET) College.  NSFAS does not handle individual applications for funding at their offices. Contact the NSFAS Call Centre on 021 763 3232 for more information on Financial Aid Offices where you plan to study.

• Some organizations also provide bursaries and scholarships. However, these usually only specific application criteria for example some bursaries require you to study commerce, science or engineering degrees with majors in computer science, information systems and various engineering and technology disciplines.  Try some of the following:
  • Study Trust: http://www.studytrust.org.za/
  • African Scholars Fund: P O Box 294 Rondebosch 7700, email address: office@asf.org.za

The following list, while not exhaustive, gives an indication of the kind of career which provides social contact and variety:

• Business Teacher in an FET College
• Customer Service Representatives  
• Employment Agency Consultant
• Estate Agent
• Flight Attendant
• Hotel industry careers such as Reception, Concierge and Hotel Management
• Insurance Sales Agent  
• Librarian working in a public library
• Public Relations Specialist
• Radio and Television Announcer
• Retail Management careers
• Retail Sales careers
• Sales Representative careers
• Tourist Guide
• Training and Development Manager

We hope this information assists your son with his assignment and with his future career exploration process.

The Career Planet Team