How NSFAS Fund UNISA Students

How NSFAS Fund UNISA Students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays an important role in supporting students who study at the University of South Africa (UNISA). As South Africa’s biggest distance learning institution, UNISA enables students to study from home, and NSFAS helps by taking care of the costs that come with studying. For UNISA students, the NSFAS bursary helps pay for tuition fees, prescribed textbooks, and other learning materials. Since UNISA is a distance learning university, students don’t attend regular classes on campus, so they often need to buy study materials themselves.

NSFAS offers a special allowance for this purpose, which supports students in getting the books and resources they need. However, it’s important to know that, unlike students at regular universities, UNISA students normally don’t receive accommodation or living allowances, since they study from home. To receive NSFAS funding, students must meet certain requirements.

This includes passing their modules, having a combined household income below a specific limit, and being registered for an approved course at UNISA. Students need to apply online and submit all the needed documents before the deadline. If the application is successful, NSFAS pays the tuition fees directly to UNISA and gives the allowance for study materials through a payment method set up by NSFAS. It’s also very important for students to regularly check their emails or the NSFAS website for updates, so they stay informed about their funding and any changes that may happen.

Learn more: NSFAS Unisa Allowances 2026

Eligibility Criteria for UNISA Students

To qualify for NSFAS funding at UNISA, students must meet specific criteria:

All South African citizens
All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

NSFAS Financial Assistance Offered At UNISA

NSFAS provides detailed financial aid to UNISA students, covering a wide range of educational expenses. These include;

Tuition Fees: NSFAS pays the whole cost of tuition fees, allowing students to enroll in their desired programs without fear of financial hardship.
Study Materials: Students are given allowances to acquire required textbooks and study materials for academic performance.
Accommodation: A portion of the NSFAS grant can be used to pay housing costs, aiding students who must live away from home to complete their education.
Transport Allowance: Some students may be eligible for transportation allowances, which aid with transportation costs to and from the university.
Living Allowance: NSFAS offers qualifying students a living allowance to help them meet their daily needs, such as food, clothes, and other necessities.

Supporting documents required for NSFAS

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

Learn more: How Often Does NSFAS Fund Unisa Students 2026/2027

How to Apply for NSFAS as a UNISA Student

To be considered for funding, students must apply during the specified application periods. Follow the steps below to apply;