This is how much UNISA students get from NSFAS per month
UNISA has a unique funding structure compared to traditional universities. If you are a UNISA student or planning to study with UNISA, you might be wondering how much allowance you can expect from NSFAS per month. This article provides a breakdown of NSFAS allowances for UNISA students per month in 2025.
Breakdown of NSFAS Allowances for UNISA Students
Tuition Fees
NSFAS covers the full cost of tuition for eligible students. This means that if you qualify for NSFAS, your UNISA tuition fees are fully paid, ensuring that you do not have to worry about paying for your course.
Learning Materials Allowance
UNISA students receive a learning materials allowance to help them buy textbooks, laptops, or other study materials needed for their coursework. The learning material allowance is calculated at R630 per module for the first 4 modules and R5460 for 5 or more modules per academic year.
Personal Care Allowance
NSFAS provides a personal care allowance to students who are studying full-time and have registered for 10 or more modules in an academic year. These UNISA students get R304.50 from NSFAS per month.
Unlike traditional universities, UNISA does not offer accommodation or transport allowances because students study from home. However, NSFAS provides financial assistance in the form of tuition and book allowances, ensuring that students can afford essential learning materials.
NSFAS Eligibility Criteria for UNISA Students
To qualify for NSFAS funding at UNISA, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African Citizen
- Your combined household income should not exceed R350,000 per annum.
- You must be registered for a degree, diploma or higher certificate course at UNISA.
- To qualify for NSFAS monthly allowances, UNISA students must register for at least 5 modules per semester (10 per year for full funding).
How to Apply for NSFAS as a UNISA Student
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for NSFAS funding by following these steps:
Visit the NSFAS website and register for an account (if you don't have one)
Log in and fill out the online application form with your personal and academic details.
Upload all the Required Documents
Submit your applications and once you submit your application, you can track your NSFAS status through your NSFAS account.
NOTE: NSFAS applications for the 2025 academic year are CLOSED!!
FAQs About NSFAS for UNISA Students
Do UNISA students receive an accommodation allowance?
No, NSFAS does not provide an accommodation allowance for UNISA students since it is a distance learning institution.
Can I receive the personal care allowance if I register for fewer than 10 modules?
No, the personal care allowance is only granted to students who register for at least 10 modules per year.
Does NSFAS cover postgraduate studies at UNISA?
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate programmes. Some postgraduate qualifications, such as PGCE, are eligible, but most postgraduate courses are not covered.
Conclusion
NSFAS plays a vital role in supporting UNISA students by covering tuition fees, providing a learning materials allowance, and offering a personal care allowance for eligible students. While UNISA students do not receive accommodation or transport allowances, they still benefit from financial assistance that ensures access to higher education.
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