NSFAS And Unisa

NSFAS And Unisa

Are you a South African student who wishes to further your education at Unisa but is concerned about the financial challenges? Fortunately, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the University of South Africa (UNISA) provide alternatives to help you realize your academic goals. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, or NSFAS, is a South African government project that provides financial aid to qualified students.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is essential for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa, and its partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA) plays a good role in expanding access to higher education. UNISA, known for its open distance learning model, attracts a diverse range of students who may face financial challenges.

Through NSFAS, eligible UNISA students can receive funding for tuition and related expenses, enabling them to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial constraints. This article explores the collaboration between NSFAS and UNISA, features the funding opportunities available and the application process that can help students take the next step in their educational journey.

READ: NSFAS Unisa Allowances 2025

What is UNISA?

The University of South Africa, often known as UNISA, is Africa’s biggest open-distance learning university. UNISA’s innovative educational method allows students to study remotely, with a large selection of undergraduate and postgraduate programs catering to a variety of fields of study.

UNISA NSFAS Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for NSFAS funding at UNISA, applicants have to meet specific requirements. These conditions are subject to change and may alter depending on available funds and government policy at the time of application. The general qualifying requirements for NSFAS are as follows:

South African citizenship or permanent residency.
Applicants must be applying for undergraduate or postgraduate studies at UNISA.
Household income must fall below a certain threshold to demonstrate financial need.
First-time entering students must be under the age of 35.
Returning students must have passed at least 50% of their modules in the previous academic year.
Automatically, students who are disabled and students who are beneficiaries of social grants meet the qualifications for NSFAS funding in 2024.

Required Information for applying:

All applicants must provide:

Valid South African ID number of Applicant
Valid South African ID number of parent(s), guardian, or spouse
Income information where applicable.
Students with disabilities must provide: A completed and signed Disability Annexure A Form (available on the website)
Students recognised as vulnerable children must provide: An applicant who is recognised as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide and Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker (available on the website)
Students who have indicated no family members details must complete the 2024 Declaration Form (available on the website)

Other documents that may be required for appeals purposes:

Retrenchment letter,
Death certificate/s
Proof of legal guardianship
Marriage certificate

All required information must be completed on the online form.

READ: What Does NSFAS Cover For Unisa Students

Who qualifies for funding?

South African citizens or permanent residents
SASSA grant recipients
Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year.
Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600 000 per year.

Who should not apply?

Students who have already applied and received funding in the previous academic cycle, have not yet graduated on their current qualification and do not intend to change from one sector to another (TVET College to University or vice versa). They are automatically funded for the duration of their studies, provided they pass their modules and meet the academic requirements.

It is very important that during the application, the applicant provides the correct ID number, name(s) and surname as reflected in their ID documents.

How To Apply For NSFAS At Unisa

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply for NSFAS;

Visit the official website of NSFAS at. www.nsfas.org.za and look for the tab “MyNSFAS” and click it
Create an account. You must provide the following information when creating an account: username, password, ID number, cellphone number, and email address.
Click the apply tab and answer the question
You will have to upload documents
Submit your application before the closing date.
A confirmation SMS will be sent to you.

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
Click on the ‘Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
Submit your application.

READ: NSFAS Unisa Second Semester 2025

Contact NSFAS

We are available to assist through the following channels:

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

NSFAS and UNISA provide important assistance to South African students attempting to overcome financial barriers to pursue higher education. NSFAS provides financial aid, whereas the university offers flexible, high-quality education through its online learning platform. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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