Most students at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) are funded by NSFAS. UMP says that 85% of its registered students in 2026 were NSFAS-funded. An offer of admission does not include financial assistance from UMP, so you must arrange funding from NSFAS or other funders. The details below come from UMP's registration information, its 2026 fees handbook and its student funding page.
NSFAS
NSFAS funds qualifying South African students from low-income households. Apply on the NSFAS website before its closing date, and keep your reference number. Students with confirmed funding do not pay UMP's initial payments for tuition or accommodation.
Other funders
UMP's student funding page notes that each funder sets its own criteria, application process and opening and closing dates, which are published on the funder's own website. Look for bursaries from companies, SETAs, government departments and the Mpumalanga provincial government.
Sponsor letters
If a sponsor or another institution pays your tuition, submit the original sponsor letter, written by the third party, to the University Student Finance Office before registration.
No application fee from 2027
UMP's Council discontinued application fees for the 2027 academic year onwards, so applying costs nothing. Applicants who paid a fee in 2026 receive a credit towards their initial deposit, or a refund.
Initial payments in 2026
- Tuition deposit: R5,985.50 for most programmes
- Residence deposit: R3,498.40 for most students
Pay at least 48 hours before registration, so that the payment clears.
Students with debt
If you owe fees from an earlier year, you must pay part of the debt before registering. For example, debt below R10,000 must be paid in full, and debt of R10,000 to R30,000 needs R10,000 plus 15% of the amount above R10,000. You can sign a new acknowledgement of debt only if you kept to the previous year's payment plan.
Paying the balance
After the initial payment, the balance of tuition is due in three equal instalments by 30 April, 31 July and 30 September. Students who register only for the second semester pay up to half of the initial instalment first and the balance by 30 September.
How payments are allocated
All payments from funders or students are allocated to tuition and accommodation in proportion to the balances owed.
International students
International students must pay all of the previous year's debt and 50% of the current year's tuition and accommodation fees before registration.
Contacts
For student financial aid and accounts, email StudentFinance@ump.ac.za. For fee enquiries, contact the fees office listed in UMP's fees handbook.
More funding
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a UMP offer include funding?
No. You must arrange funding through NSFAS or other funders.
How many UMP students are NSFAS-funded?
UMP says 85% of its registered students in 2026 were NSFAS-funded.
Do funded students pay UMP's initial payment?
No. Students with confirmed funding are exempt.