How Nsfas Fund Unisa Students In 2026/2027

How Nsfas Fund Unisa Students In 2026/2027

NSFAS Empowers UNISA Students: Funding Opportunities for 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) continues to support thousands of South African students each year, and UNISA (University of South Africa) students are no exception. For the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS is once again providing financial assistance to qualifying students studying at UNISA. If you are planning to further your studies at UNISA but are worried about the costs, NSFAS funding could be your solution. Applications for 2026 are officially open and will close on 15 November 2025, so make sure you apply early to avoid missing out.

NSFAS funding is available to South African citizens and permanent residents whose combined household income does not exceed R350,000 per year. For students living with disabilities, the limit is R600,000 per year. This ensures that students from low-income households have access to quality higher education without the financial burden.

For UNISA students, NSFAS covers registration and tuition fees, as well as learning materials such as prescribed books and study devices. Since UNISA is a distance learning institution, students also receive personal care and incidental allowances to help manage daily study-related costs. However, it is important to note that NSFAS does not fund accommodation or transport for UNISA students, as learning is conducted remotely. Applying for NSFAS is simple and can be done entirely online through the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za. Take this opportunity to secure your funding and focus fully on your studies at UNISA for the 2026/2027 academic year.

What is Meant By NSFAS

NSFAS is a financial aid organization established by the South African government to offer bursaries and loans to eligible students from low-income households.
With a commitment to fostering access to higher education and creating a fair and equitable system, NSFAS plays a critical role in the South African education landscape.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds can apply for financial assistance to cover tuition, accommodation, study materials, and other living expenses while studying at higher education institutions.

Read: What does NSFAS cover for Unisa students

What Is The Collaboration Between NSFAS and UNISA

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is the largest open distance learning institution on the African continent, providing education to thousands of students both locally and internationally. NSFAS has partnered with UNISA to offer financial aid to eligible students, ensuring that access to quality education is not hindered by financial constraints.

Nsfas Online Application Date For Unisa Students 2026/2027

South African students who are now studying at the University of South Africa(UNISA) are eligible to apply for NSFAS from September to the 15th of November 2025.
During the application process, Unisa students are to make sure they submit their applications very early to meet the application deadline to increase their chances of receiving aid from NSFAS.

How Much Does NSFAS Give To Unisa Students In 2026/2027

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the latest approved DHET guidelines.

Accommodation
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
Book allowances R5200 per annum
Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

How Does NSFAS Fund Unisa Students In 2026/2027

The process below is the procedure used by Nsfas in providing funds for Unisa students in the 2025/2026 academic year:

Application and Eligibility:

To be considered for NSFAS funding at UNISA, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a South African citizen
Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less per annum
Are you applying for or already enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program at UNISA
The application process begins online, where prospective students complete an application form on the NSFAS website, providing personal and financial information. The application period typically opens in the latter part of the preceding year, with deadlines falling in the first few months of the academic year.
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
A person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600 000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018 and whose household income is not more than R122 000 per annum.

Application Assessment and Approval

After the application deadline, NSFAS evaluates all applications based on the provided information and verifies the applicant’s financial status. Successful applicants are informed via email or SMS and are required to sign a bursary agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.

Disbursement of Funds:

Once the bursary agreement is signed, NSFAS disburses the funds directly to UNISA to cover tuition fees. The remaining funds for accommodation, study materials, and living expenses are deposited into the student’s bank account or paid to the relevant service providers.

Renewal and Continuation:

NSFAS funding is renewable on an annual basis, subject to the student’s academic performance and continued financial need. Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit their results at the end of each academic year to be considered for continued funding.

How To Apply For NSFAS As A Unisa Student For 2026/2027

Follow the steps below to apply for NSFAS as a student of Unisa:

Visit the Official Website of Nsfas @ https://www.nsfas.org.za/
Create a myNsfas profile account
Complete all required information
Upload all needed documents
Submit your application

Contact Details Of NSFAS

NSFAS Contact Center:

Phone: 08000 67327 (toll-free)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM (South African Standard Time)

Nsfas Email:

General inquiries: info@nsfas.org.za
Application inquiries: apply@nsfas.org.za

Nsfas Postal Address:

Private Bag X1
Plumstead
7801
South Africa

Physical Address:

10 Brodie Road
House Vincent, 2nd Floor
Wynberg
Cape Town
7700
South Africa

Hope the information given above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.

What In Nsfas Online Registration 2026/2027

NSFAS