How Often Does NSFAS Fund Unisa Students 2026/2027

How Often Does NSFAS Fund Unisa Students 2026/2027

Many students in South Africa find it challenging to understand how to get financial help for university, especially when studying through distance learning at the University of South Africa (Unisa). If you’re planning to study at Unisa in the 2026/2027 academic year, you might be wondering how often NSFAS funding is given to Unisa students and what exactly this funding covers.

NSFAS is a government program that helps students from low-income families afford higher education. It doesn’t just cover tuition fees—it also helps pay for important living and study costs. This is very helpful for Unisa students because, as distance learners, they often have extra expenses like buying learning materials and technology needed for online study. NSFAS mainly supports students through their first degree or diploma, so they can finish their course without worrying too much about money.

Because Unisa students study remotely, some parts of NSFAS funding, like allowances for accommodation or travel, may be adjusted to fit their specific needs. It’s important to know the eligibility rules, how to apply, and exactly what costs the funding will cover. This guide will explain all these details clearly, so you’ll understand how NSFAS helps Unisa students in the 2026/2027 year and can prepare well for your studies ahead.

Learn more: NSFAS Unisa Allowances 2026

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

To be qualified for NSFAS funding, you must meet the following requirements

• 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.

What NSFAS Funding Covers

NSFAS provides a bursary that covers essential study expenses for eligible students

• 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 institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

Important Notice for NSFAS Students

NSFAS allowance payments will start in March 2026. You’ll only receive your payment if your registration details have been correctly submitted to NSFAS and your banking information has been verified.

• Monthly Payments from April 2026: From April 2026, qualifying students will receive their monthly allowances each month.
• Update Your Banking Details: Make sure your banking details are correct and up to date. A secure link to update them will be sent to your UNISA myLife email only. No other platform will be used.

Please Note:

• After submitting your banking details, check your bank verification status regularly. If you need to submit your information again, do so quickly to avoid any payment delays. Stay updated by checking your myLife email often

Learn more: How NSFAS Fund UNISA Students

Application Process for Unisa Students

Follow the steps below to complete the NSFAS application;

• Visit the official website of NSFAS at: www.nsfas.org.za
• Click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

NSFAS Contact  Details

Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
Twitter: @myNSFAS
Instagram: @myNSFAS
WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
USSD:*120*67327#

NSFAS matters in assisting UNISA students in their quest for higher education. While funding cycles usually follow an annual pattern, various factors might alter NSFAS funding frequency. To increase your chances of getting NSFAS help during your academic adventure at UNISA, it is essential to stay educated about qualification requirements, maintain academic progress, and submit timely applications.  Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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