Students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) can fund their studies through NSFAS, UNISA's merit bursary and bursaries from donors and government departments. UNISA's Directorate of Student Funding (DSF) administers donor funding in the form of bursaries and loans, using the criteria that each donor sets. The details below come from UNISA's student funding pages.
NSFAS at UNISA
NSFAS covers the cost of studying at a public university. For UNISA students who qualify, NSFAS pays registration and tuition fees directly to UNISA, plus a learning material allowance:
- R660 per module for the first four modules
- R5,678 in total for students registered for five or more modules in the academic year
- An incidental allowance of R316.70 a month for ten months, for qualifying students registered for ten or more modules
NSFAS does not cover historic debt, student card fees, library fines or supplementary exam fees. UNISA's page listed 31 October 2026 as the NSFAS closing date.
Who qualifies for NSFAS
- South African citizens or permanent residents
- Students registered, or intending to register, for an approved qualification
- Students from households with a combined gross income of no more than R350,000 a year
Returning students must also meet academic progression rules, including the N+ rule. NSFAS funds only your first qualification, not postgraduate study. Students with disabilities submit a medical report and the NSFAS Disability Annexure. Incarcerated students may also qualify if they meet the requirements.
How to apply for NSFAS
- Create a myNSFAS profile on the official NSFAS website.
- Complete your personal, academic and household information.
- Upload the supporting documents that NSFAS requests.
- Submit before the closing date, and check your myNSFAS account regularly.
Applications are free. Do not pay anyone to apply for you.
The UNISA merit bursary
UNISA's merit bursary is for South African citizens registered for a formal qualification in any discipline who achieved an average of at least 75% in their previous year of study. It covers tuition fees and prescribed textbooks only, and awards depend on available funding. The bursary is invitation-based: the Division of Student Funding invites suitable candidates. Students who received it in 2026 do not need to apply again, but must keep a 75% average.
Other bursaries
- Funza Lushaka: for students studying towards a teaching degree
- Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: for heritage-related studies, worth up to R110,000 per student
- Department of Transport: for unemployed youth under 35 in selected qualifications
Contact
Send NSFAS and DSF enquiries to DSF-NSFAS@unisa.ac.za. Browse our bursaries, or read about UNISA fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NSFAS fund UNISA students?
Yes. NSFAS pays registration and tuition fees and a learning material allowance for qualifying UNISA students.
Who qualifies for the UNISA merit bursary?
South African citizens with an average of at least 75% in their previous year of study.
Does NSFAS fund postgraduate study at UNISA?
No. NSFAS funds only a first qualification.