Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2026-2027
Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2026-2027: NSFAS login
NSFAS is a government-funded organisation that was founded to help economically disadvantaged students with the financial burden of postsecondary education. Its main purpose is to promote equal access to education and to ensure that no worthy student is denied higher education due to financial constraints. NSFAS provides a variety of financial aid alternatives, including bursaries and loans, to pay tuition, housing, books, and other necessary study-related expenditures.
Applying for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at the University of South Africa (UNISA) for the academic years 2026-2027 is a crucial step for many South African students seeking financial assistance to pursue tertiary education. NSFAS plays a pivotal role in supporting students who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to access higher education opportunities that might otherwise be unaffordable. UNISA, as Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, provides accessible education to thousands of students, making NSFAS funding particularly important for those enrolled there. Understanding the application process for NSFAS funding at UNISA for 2026-2027 is essential to ensure a timely and successful submission.
Students must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a South African citizen or permanent resident and having a household income below a designated threshold. The NSFAS bursary covers not only tuition fees but also offers allowances for living expenses, learning materials, transport, and accommodation where applicable. The process requires careful preparation of various documents such as certified identification, proof of income, academic records, and consent forms. Applications open in September 2025 and close by January 2026, with online submission facilitated through the official NSFAS portal.
Timely application is strongly advised to avoid technical delays or missing the deadline. Additionally, NSFAS funding at UNISA is typically restricted to students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification, with clear academic progression requirements to maintain funding eligibility. This introduction aims to guide prospective and returning students through the key aspects of applying for NSFAS at UNISA for 2026-2027, helping them navigate the requirements and process effectively to secure essential financial aid.
Understand NSFAS and Eligibility
NSFAS offers bursaries and loans to students from low-income families with a combined household income of less than R350,000 per year. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other study-related expenses for qualifying students.
READ: UNISA Accounting Courses 2026-2027
NSFAS At UNISA Application Date 2026-2027
NSFAS Applications are now open and accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. The UNISA NSFAS application will close on January 31, 2025, therefore, all interested students are advised to submit their applications before the closing date. NB: NSFAS do not accept late applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. APPLY NOW!!!
Important Notes to consider;
- Ensure all fields in the application form are completed before submission to avoid delays.
- NSFAS funding is competitive and limited, so early application is recommended.
- Keep copies of all documents and correspondence for reference.
- Once approved, you will need to sign a bursary agreement before disbursement of funds.
- NSFAS funding will only be processed once UNISA confirms your registration.
READ: Application For Admission At UNISA 2026-2027
NSFAS At UNISA Eligibility Requirements 2026-2027
Applicants must meet specified eligibility criteria to be eligible for NSFAS aid at UNISA. These requirements are subject to change and may differ based on funding and government policies in effect at the time of application. Below are the general eligibility requirements for NSFAS 2026-2027:
- 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 2025.
READ: UNISA Registration Status Check 2026-2027
Who Does Not Qualify For UNISA NSFAS Funding 2025-2026
Your NSFAS application will not be considered if you;
- received NSFAS funding in 2022*.
- have already completed an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- You are not a South African citizen.
- need funding for a Short Learning Certificate or Programme, or a postgraduate qualification.
NB: Students who have completed a higher certificate and will be starting a degree/diploma qualification in 2025 must reapply for NSFAS funding.
READ: Unisa online application closing date
How To Apply Online For UNISA NSFAS 2026-2027
Follow the steps below to apply online for UNISA NSFAS 2026-2027;
- Go to 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 text will be sent to you.
READ: How to Apply at UNISA 2026-2027
Tracking Your NSFAS Application Status
After submission, you can track your application status online:
- Log in to your myNSFAS account.
- Select the “Track Funding Progress” option to view your application status.
- Statuses include Submitted, Filtering, Evaluation, Funding Eligibility, Awaiting Result, Approved, Rejected, and Payment
UNISA Contact Information
Please contact Unisa at the following address:
- Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
- Sunnyside campus (applications, registrations & learning centre):
- Cnr Justice Mahomed & Steve Biko Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria
- Tel: 0800 005 311
- Email: unisa@whistleblowing.co.za
The cost of tuition has been a significant barrier to accessing higher education for many South African students. However, NSFAS has been essential in breaking down these obstacles, allowing many students to pursue their academic aspirations in collaboration with UNISA. Visit Unisa’s Official Website for more details.
RELATED LINKS: