The partnership between NSFAS and UNISA has greatly expanded access to higher education for many students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa. Through its provision of financial assistance, NSFAS not only empowers these individuals but also contributes to the country’s overall growth and development.
The upcoming academic year of 2025/2026 is anticipated to see continued success for UNISA students supported by NSFAS as they embark on their educational journey toward a brighter future. NSFAS, a government-backed initiative in South Africa, aims to offer financial aid to students from low-income families pursuing higher education.
UNISA is one of the institutions benefiting from this program, providing opportunities for students to obtain diplomas, certificates, and degrees. This article explores how NSFAS aids UNISA students during the 2025/2026 academic year and the implications for the South African education system.
What is NSFASNSFAS 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: Nsfas unisa application 2023
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
- South African students who are now studying at the University of South Africa(UNISA) are eligible to apply for NSFAS from the 21st of November 2024 to the 31st of January 2025. 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.
Who Qualify For Nsfas At Unisa 2025/2026
You must be among the following people to qualify for Nsfas:
- All South African citizens
- All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
- Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350 000 per annum
- A person with a 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.
Documents Needed As Unisa Students To Apply For Nsfas
When applying for NSFAS funding as a UNISA student, you will need to submit the following supporting documents to ensure a smooth application process:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate (if you are younger than 16 years old and do not have a green bar-coded ID or smart ID card).
- Certified ID copies of parents, guardians, or spouses.
- Proof of income for parents, guardian, or spouse (recent payslips or bank statements, not older than three months). If parents or guardians are self-employed, provide a recent affidavit confirming their income. If parents are unemployed, provide an affidavit stating that they are unemployed.
- A signed and completed Consent Form can be downloaded from the NSFAS website. This form allows NSFAS to verify the household income and other relevant information.
- Proof of residence (utility bill, rental agreement, or an affidavit confirming your residential address).
- If you have a disability, provide a completed Disability Annexure A Form, which is available on the NSFAS website.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate, or latest Matric results if you have not yet received your certificate.
- Proof of registration or admission at UNISA.
Note: Ensure that all submitted documents are certified copies and not older than three months. Submitting all required documents with your application is crucial to avoid delays in the processing and evaluation of your application.
How Much Does NSFAS Give To Unisa Students In 2025/2026
Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest 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 2025/2026
The below process is the procedures 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
- Be 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.
Read Also: What does NSFAS cover for UNISA students
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 on the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.
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