University of South Africa (UNISA)

About UNISA

The University of South Africa, known as UNISA, is the largest open distance learning university in Africa. It was founded in 1873 and moved to Pretoria in 1918. Since 1946 it has taught by distance education. Today it enrols hundreds of thousands of students, including many from outside South Africa.

Students study from home or work. They receive learning material online, and they write assessments and exams at set venues. This model suits people who cannot attend a physical campus. Many UNISA students are adults who already have jobs or families, and many are the first in their families to study further.

How UNISA supports students financially

Because of this student profile, UNISA funding looks different from the support offered by contact universities. Students are less likely to be school-leavers looking for residence fees. Instead, support focuses on tuition and on helping working adults finish their qualifications. The university runs its own postgraduate diploma and honours bursary. Published rules say it is aimed at South African students at NQF level 8 who passed their earlier modules with an average of at least 50%. Higher averages are given priority. The bursary pays tuition fees only, for up to two consecutive years, subject to reapplication. It does not cover a laptop, accommodation or textbooks.

UNISA also works with SETAs. One example is the BANKSETA bursary, which has been linked to the BCom in Financial Accounting Sciences. This route is usually by invitation. Students who are not invited may need to approach the SETA directly, because UNISA does not run that application process.

What to know before applying

Apply only through the official channels. UNISA states that postgraduate bursary applications are online through the student portal, and that late, emailed or incomplete applications are not considered. Application windows usually open in the second half of the year for the following academic year, but dates change, so check the current notice. Work-back obligations are an important question. UNISA's own postgraduate bursaries do not carry an employment work-back condition. However, SETA-funded bursaries may have the funder's own rules, such as age limits, employment status or study-progress requirements. Read the award letter in full.

Finally, keep your marks up. Most renewals depend on module results. Register on time, and keep your contact details current on the portal so that you do not miss an offer. Remember also that UNISA students come from around 130 countries, but its bursaries are generally meant for South African citizens. SETA funding often adds an age range, commonly 18 to 35, and many SETAs ask for an average of at least 50% in your previous year. Check each funder's rules separately.