2026 UNISA Allowances
If you are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for 2026 and are a current University of South Africa (UNISA) student seeking clarity on UNISA allowances, you’re in the right place.
This article provides a clear overview of UNISA allowances for 2026, who qualifies, what the allowances cover, and what students should expect as the new academic year draws closer.
Understanding UNISA Allowances
UNISA allowances are financial support payments provided to eligible students funded by NSFAS.
The UNISA allowances are designed to reduce financial pressure and ensure that students can access learning materials and basic connectivity required for online studies.
University of South Africa (UNISA) students must understand that there is no transport and accommodation allowances as UNISA is a long distance institution
Types of UNISA Allowances for 2026
1. Learning Materials Allowance:
UNISA has learning materials allowance which helps students purchase textbooks, e-books, and other prescribed study materials. How much is the UNISA book allowance for 2026? The UNISA book allowance for 2026 is R5 460. This allowance is only received once a year,
2. Living Allowance:
Another UNISA allowance is the living allowance. The UNISA living allowance is only received by students who have registered 10 modules. For 2026 the University of South Africa living allowance is R304 per month.
The living allowance is meant to assist with basic day-to-day expenses rather than accommodation. This allowance supports students who rely on NSFAS as their primary source of financial support.
NOTE: The University of South Africa does provide students with data to attend online classes and write exams.
Who Qualifies for UNISA Allowances in 2026?
To qualify for UNISA allowances in 2026, a student must:
- Be approved for NSFAS funding
- Be registered for an NSFAS-funded qualification at UNISA
- Meet the academic progression requirements set by NSFAS
- Come from a household that meets the NSFAS means test threshold
- You must have registered 10 modules for the 2026 academic year
How Are UNISA Allowances Paid?
UNISA allowances are usually paid directly to students, not through the university. Once registration is confirmed and funding is activated, NSFAS disburses allowances via its payment service provider.
Students are advised to ensure their banking details are correct and verified.
When Will 2026 UNISA Allowances Be Paid?
For 2026, the UNISA allowances will be paid mid February 2026. Students need to remember that allowances will only be paid to students who have registered.
If a UNISA student does not receive their allowance as expected, they should contact NSFAS or confirm that UNISA registration is fully completed
UNISA allowances for 2026 remain a vital support system for thousands of students across South Africa. While the allowance structure differs from contact universities, it is tailored to meet the needs of distance-learning students.
