Pursuing higher education can be expensive, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps by providing bursaries and loans to eligible students in South Africa. NSFAS funding includes allowances that cover essential student expenses.
NSFAS Allowances and Eligibility for 2025
NSFAS has outlined the eligibility criteria and financial aid conditions for the 2025 academic year. They have also confirmed the allowances that students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) will receive.
Allowances are disbursed in 10 payments per year, covering the academic period from February to November—which aligns with the academic calendar of most institutions.
Unisa NSFAS Allowances for 2025
Since Unisa is a distance learning university, its students receive different NSFAS allowances compared to those attending traditional universities.
Bursaries for Unisa Students
- Students enrolled in less than 60 course credits: Qualify for a learning materials allowance only.
- Students studying a full-time equivalent course load: Qualify for both a learning materials allowance and a personal care allowance.
NSFAS Loans for 2025
NSFAS loan beneficiaries who study at Unisa are only eligible to receive the learning materials allowance.
The Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane, is expected to announce the official NSFAS allowance amounts during the State of Readiness Briefing.
How Unisa NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid
Unisa has confirmed that NSFAS allowances will be paid via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into students' bank accounts. This payment method is the same for all university students receiving NSFAS support.
If your allowance is incorrect or has not been processed, you should contact Unisa’s student funding department at DSF-NSFAS [at] unisa.ac.za for assistance.
