The University of South Africa (Unisa) has released its plans for the distribution of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances for the first six months of 2025. Payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into students' verified bank accounts. The timing of these disbursements will be contingent on the official closing date of Unisa's registration period, as NSFAS has granted the institution an extension for this period.
Allowance Types and Eligibility Criteria
NSFAS-funded Unisa students will receive allowances based on their course load. Students registered for fewer than 60 course credits will qualify for a learning materials allowance only. Those enrolled in a full-time equivalent course load will receive both a learning materials allowance and a personal care allowance.
Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of courses registered
It was clarified that the incidental allowance is only paid to students registered for ten modules.
Bank Detail Submission and Verification Process
Students must submit their bank details via a link sent to their myLife email account. The process involves entering banking information and awaiting verification. Unisa emphasised that "no third-party banking details will be accepted" and that "allowances must be paid into bank accounts registered in their name."
This requirement is due to the bank account details being verified against the student's Unisa ID number.
Students are urged to "actively monitor the status of your submission" to prevent delays caused by failed verifications.
Understanding Bank Verification Status Codes
The Unisa bank details platform uses specific codes to indicate the status of verification:
- SM (Submitted but not verified): Details received but pending verification.
- VI (Verified): Successful verification.
- RJ (Rejected): Verification failed, requiring resubmission of correct details.
- UP (Updated by student): New details submitted, requiring re-verification.
Unisa reiterated that "NSFAS does not cover historical debt."
