As Unisa operates as a distance university, the student experience varies greatly. To address this disparity, Unisa students are afforded the opportunity to receive allowances from NSFAS, but the amount provided is a matter of interest. Historically, the disbursement of NSFAS allowances to Unisa students has been a contentious issue. This is due in part to the unique nature of the Unisa bursary as it differs significantly from those offered by other universities.
How Much Are NSFAS Allowances For Unisa Students?
Unisa offers students the opportunity to pursue degrees, diplomas, and certificates through the use of online resources and study materials provided by the university itself. However, certain courses require Unisa students to attend tutorials and workshops outside the confines of their homes.
Unisa, being a beneficiary of NSFAS funding, distributes allowances to its students differently from other universities due to the distinctive nature of its teaching methods.
As per the recent announcement made by Blade Nzimande, the Higher Education Minister, during an update on NSFAS’s readiness, distance-learning students who enroll in a minimum of 120 credits in one academic year are eligible to receive R3,045 in personal care allowances. Besides the Learning Materials Allowance and Living Allowance, students who receive funding through NSFAS at Unisa are also eligible for a Living Allowance.
The amount of Learning Material Allowance that Unisa students receive is dependent on the number of modules they have registered for. Upon completion of the first four modules, students will receive R600 per module, and a single payment of R5,460 will be made for the remaining modules.
After the R5200 Learning Materials Allowance has been disbursed for the first five modules, no further Learning Materials Allowance will be given for any additional modules.
- Students can pursue degrees, diplomas, and certificates at Unisa through online resources and study materials provided by the university.
- Unisa requires some students to attend tutorials and workshops held outside their homes for certain courses.
- Distance-learning students enrolled in at least 120 credits in one academic year at Unisa are eligible to receive a personal care allowance of R3,045 from NSFAS.
- In addition to the personal care allowance, NSFAS students at Unisa also receive a Learning Materials Allowance and Living Allowance.
- The amount of Learning Material Allowance is determined by the number of modules registered, and once the first five modules are completed, no additional Learning Materials Allowance will be paid for additional modules.
- If enrolled in at least ten modules, Unisa students will receive a Living Allowance.
- Unisa students who register for ten modules and then reduce their registration will forfeit their allowance.
- From February to November each year, Unisa students enrolled in ten or more modules will receive an incidental allowance of R290, which can be used to cover student expenses.
- NSFAS covers living expenses in addition to tuition and registration fees for Unisa students.
In order for students to register at Unisa, NSFAS provides funding. When registering, you must follow the following:
- To register at Unisa, students require NSFAS funding.
- If submitting the first NSFAS application, temporarily register at Unisa during its registration period.
- In case the NSFAS application is delayed or rejected, find alternative funding before the registration activation.
- Returning NSFAS students waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation for the 2021 academic year must register temporarily through the Unisa registration period.
- If a returning NSFAS student who received funding the year before has been denied funding for the following year, pay the registration fee while waiting for the NSFAS appeal decision.
If your NSFAS application has been provisionally approved, you do not need to pay the registration fee. Once Unisa receives confirmation of your NSFAS funding, your registration will be automatically activated.
- Once NSFAS confirms that Unisa has successfully processed the registration data of an NSFAS-funded student, the registration fees will be refunded.
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides free higher education and training to poor and working-class South Africans. Public universities and TVET colleges are eligible to apply for NSFAS bursaries.