NSFAS At Unisa 2026-2027

NSFAS At Unisa 2025-2026: Unisa NSFAS 2026

NSFAS application for the 2025-2026 academic year at Unisa is open NOW and closes in January 2025. All who wish to apply for NSFAS funding for the 2025-2026 academic year are to be mindful of the application dates. University of South Africa (Unisa) funding assists students who need financial assistance to continue their higher education. The loan is given to only those who have performed very well in their academics and need financial support to further their education. This is classified as study loans and bursaries, in which NSFAS is one of Unisa’s funding.

By covering tuition fees and providing allowances for living, transport, accommodation, and learning materials, NSFAS empowers Unisa students to pursue their academic goals without undue financial stress. The scheme particularly recognises the distinct needs of distance learning students, tailoring allowances accordingly for different study loads. Eligibility for this funding is contingent upon factors such as household income thresholds, academic enrollment in approved programs, and adherence to NSFAS’s N+ funding rule that defines maximum funding duration. The application process is online, requiring students to submit verified personal and financial documents within specified timelines. Furthermore, Unisa coordinates the disbursement of these funds directly into students’ verified bank accounts, ensuring secure and timely payments.

The 2026-2027 phase of NSFAS also emphasises the importance of compliance with verification procedures and academic progression requirements to maintain eligibility. With the support of NSFAS, Unisa continues to advance its mission of offering accessible and affordable tertiary education to a diverse student population. This financial aid initiative not only fosters academic success but also contributes to broader social equity and development in South Africa. As students prepare for the 2026 academic year, understanding NSFAS’s benefits, requirements, and procedures becomes essential to securing uninterrupted funding. In sum, NSFAS at Unisa for 2026-2027 remains a cornerstone of student support that alleviates financial constraints and promotes educational attainment on a national scale.

What is NSFAS?

NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid program designed to provide bursaries and loans to eligible South African students who demonstrate financial need. It aims to make tertiary education accessible to those who cannot afford tuition and related costs, thereby empowering students and contributing to national economic growth.

READ: UNISA Accounting Courses 2026-2027

NSFAS At Unisa Application Date 2026-2027

The NSFAS at Unisa applications are now open and ongoing; therefore, apply NOW. The NSFAS at Unisa 2026-2027 closes on January 31, 2025.

Who Qualifies for NSFAS At UNISA 2026-2027?

Those who qualify for Unisa NSFAS are those who

• did not have the opportunity to be funded in 2025.
• have not completed an undergraduate degree/diploma.
• are a South African citizen.
• Don’t need funding for a short learning certificate or programme.
• don’t need funding for a postgraduate qualification, except for the following qualifications:
  • BTech – Chiropractic, Homoeopathy, all Nursing
  • BTech – Clinical or Dental Technology, Emergency Medical Care
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
  • LLB
  • BTech – Architecture / Architectural Technology
  • BTech – Engineering (all disciplines), Cartography, Forestry
  • BTech – Biokinetics, Biomedical Technology, Biotechnology

First-time NSFAS applicants: Please you have to make sure that you are temporarily registered during the time of the Unisa registration period while waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation. If your NSFAS application is declined or delayed by the close of the registration period, you will be expected to find alternative funding before your registration can be activated.

READ: How to Apply at UNISA 2026-2027

Important Notes for UNISA Students

• Ensure you have applied and been accepted for admission at UNISA before applying for NSFAS
• Keep your myNSFAS account details updated and regularly check your application status.
• Signing the NSFAS bursary agreement is mandatory before any payments are made.
• UNISA also provides additional bursaries and scholarships, which students can explore alongside NSFAS funding

How to Apply For NSFAS At Unisa 2026-2027

The online application procedure is provided below;

• Visit www.nsfas.org.za and create your myNSFAS account.
• Once you have filled in all the required information, click on the ‘Submit’ option to complete your application and note your application Reference number.
• Track the progress of your application on your myNSFAS account.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be admitted to a public university like UNISA.
• Household income should not exceed the threshold set by NSFAS (currently R350,000 per year).
• Must meet academic requirements and provide all necessary documentation.

READ: UNISA College of Accounting 2026

UNISA Contact

For any further information needed, use the contact details below:

• 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

Visit Unisa’s Official Website for more information.

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