Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2027-2028
Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2027-2028
Apply for NSFAS at UNISA 2026-2027: NSFAS login
Do you want to study at the University of South Africa in 2027 or 2028, and is your family income R350,000 or less per year? Then STOP and read this: You qualify to apply for a government bursary through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training, established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students at public universities and TVET colleges. For UNISA students, NSFAS can cover registration, tuition, learning materials, transport, living allowances, and accommodation where applicable.
For the 2027-2028 UNISA academic year, all NSFAS applications must be submitted online via the myNSFAS portal. There are no paper forms, and late applications are not accepted. To ensure your 2027 funding application can be fully processed, you are urged to log in regularly to your myNSFAS portal and check for any notifications about missing documents. If NSFAS asks for more documents, you will have 30 days to upload them.
This guide breaks down who qualifies for NSFAS at UNISA 2027-2028, what the bursary covers, the step-by-step online application process, documents you need, key dates, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection. Whether you are a first-time applicant or a returning UNISA student needing funding renewal, knowing how to apply correctly gives you the best chance of securing NSFAS for 2027-2028 and focusing on your studies without financial stress.
What Is NSFAS and Why Does It Matter for UNISA Students
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training, established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999). Its purpose is to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
If you want to study at UNISA in 2027 or 2028 and come from a family with an income of R350,000 or less, you qualify for a government bursary offered via NSFAS. UNISA is South Africa’s largest distance learning institution, and NSFAS is the main funding route for thousands of its students every year.
READ: UNISA Accounting Courses 2026-2027
Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2027-2028
- NSFAS Applications are now open and accepting applications for the 2027-2028 academic year. The UNISA NSFAS application will close on January 31; therefore, all interested students are advised to submit their applications before the closing date.
NB: NSFAS do not accept late applications for the 2027-2028 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.
Who Can Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2027-2028?
You can apply if you meet these NSFAS requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
- Institution: You must be registered at a public university or TVET college. UNISA qualifies.
- Income threshold: Combined household income must be R350,000 or less per year.
- Qualification level: You must be applying for your first undergraduate qualification. NSFAS does not fund postgraduate studies at UNISA, except for certain teaching qualifications like the PGCE.
- Academic admission: You need to be accepted or provisionally accepted at UNISA for 2027 or 2028.
Returning UNISA students who were previously funded by NSFAS must meet academic progression requirements to continue receiving funding.
NSFAS At UNISA Eligibility Requirements 2027-2028
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 2027-2028:
- 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 2027.
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
- 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.
What Does the NSFAS Bursary Cover at UNISA?
NSFAS funding for university students is aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines. For UNISA 2027-2028, the bursary covers the following based on your study and living situation:
- Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university. Costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence.
- Transport: Up to R7,500 per annum for students living up to 40 km from the institution.
- Living allowance: R15,000 per annum for full-time students.
- Book allowances: R5,200 per annum for prescribed learning materials.
- Incidental/personal care allowance: R2,900 per annum for students in catered residences.
Note for UNISA students: Because UNISA is a distance learning university, most students study from home and therefore do not qualify for accommodation. You will typically receive the living allowance, book allowance, and transport if you attend occasional labs or contact sessions within 40 km of a UNISA campus. All amounts are subject to DHET review for 2027-2028.
When to Apply for NSFAS at UNISA 2027-2028
- NSFAS application dates for 2027-2028 have not been confirmed yet. Based on previous cycles, applications usually open between September and November of the year before the academic year starts. That means the 2027 application window is likely to open around September – November 2026.
To ensure that your 2027 funding application can be fully processed, you are urged to log in regularly to the myNSFAS portal and check for any notifications about missing documents. Once a notice is issued, you will have 30 days to upload the required documents. Missing this deadline can result in your application being closed.
READ: Unisa online application closing date
How To Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2027-2028: Step-by-Step
It’s sooo easy to apply! It’s as easy as… 1,2,3.
Step 1: Visit the NSFAS website:
- Go to https://www.nsfas.org.za/. This is the only official site. Do not use agents or pay anyone to apply for you.
Step 2: Create a myNSFAS profile:
- Click on the myNSFAS button at the top right corner of the homepage.
- Register using your South African ID number, a valid email address, and your cellphone number.
- You will get an OTP to verify your account.
Step 3: Complete all required information:
- Fill in your personal details, academic details, and household income information.
- Make sure your details match your ID and UNISA application.
Step 4: Submit your application
Upload all certified supporting documents. Required documents usually include:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copies of parents/guardian IDs or death certificates if applicable
- Proof of income: latest payslips, SASSA letter, or affidavit if unemployed
- UNISA proof of application or provisional acceptance letter
- Signed consent form
- After submitting, you will receive a reference number. Save it.
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.
How to Track Your myNSFAS Application Status
After you apply for NSFAS at UNISA for 2027-2028, you must track your status.
- Visit the myNSFAS Portal: Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click myNSFAS at the top right corner.
- Log in to Your Account: Enter your registered email address and password. Complete the CAPTCHA and click Sign In.
- Check Your Application Status: Click the Track Application Progress or Application Status tab.
Understand the Status Terms:
- Application Submitted: Your application has been received and is being processed.
- Documents Missing: You need to upload the required documents. You have 30 days.
- Under Review: Your application is being reviewed to confirm eligibility with SARS, Home Affairs, and UNISA.
- Approved: Your funding has been approved. UNISA will be notified.
- Rejected: Your application did not meet the requirements. A reason will be provided. You can appeal within 30 days.
Check regularly for updates or further actions needed, such as uploading missing documents or accepting your funding.
READ: How to Apply at UNISA 2027-2028
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.
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