NSFAS Unisa Allowances 2026/2027

NSFAS Unisa Allowances 2026/2027

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in enabling access to higher education for many South African students, including those enrolled at the University of South Africa (UNISA). As a distance learning institution, UNISA has unique operational dynamics that influence how NSFAS allowances are disbursed and utilized by its students. Knowing the specifics of NSFAS allowances for UNISA students in the 2026/2027 academic year is important for effective financial planning and successful academic progression.​ These allowances are designed to cover various student needs beyond tuition, such as study materials, living expenses, and connectivity, to ensure an equitable learning environment.

The allowances for UNISA students funded by NSFAS differ significantly from those attending contact universities. Due to UNISA’s distance learning model, there are no provisions for accommodation allowances, as students typically study from their homes. Instead, the focus shifts to allowances that support remote learning, such as those for learning materials, data, and incidental expenses. The primary allowances for UNISA students include a learning material allowance, which is provided to cover prescribed textbooks and study resources essential for their courses, and a separate allowance for incidental costs or personal care.

NSFAS will continue to disburse allowances directly to eligible UNISA students who have been successfully registered and approved for funding. It is important for students to ensure their details, including bank accounts, are accurately updated with NSFAS to avoid any payment delays. The amounts for these allowances are determined annually by NSFAS, taking into account the cost of living and specific needs of distance learners. Students are advised to regularly check the official NSFAS website and their myNSFAS portal for the latest updates on allowance values and disbursement schedules to manage their finances effectively.

Learn more: Unisa NSFAS Allowance 2026/2027

Eligible criteria for NSFAS Unisa allowances 2026

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualify for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

What does the NSFAS Bursary Cover?

University of South Africa (UNISA) will receive funding for:

• Tuition
• Books (subject to the number of modules registered)
• Personal care allowance

NSFAS Unisa Student Allowances for 2026-2027

NSFAS pays R700 per module for the first 4 modules, R5460 for 5 or more modules per academic year, and Students registered for 10 or more modules qualify for an incidental allowance of R304.50 per month for 10 months. Below is a breakdown of NSFAS Allowances for university 2026-2027;

• Accommodation
• As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from institution) R7,500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

How are NSFAS allowances paid?

NSFAS allowances are paid by the NSFAS service provider, COINVEST. Coinvest will communicate with students to onboard/register them to receive their allowances. Students are required to onboard/register on the co-invest platform to receive the NSFAS MasterCard and digital money account.

Learn more: Unisa NSFAS Application 2026/2027

Procedure For UNISA NSFAS Applications for 2026-2027

Follow the process below to apply online for the NSFAS bursaries for 2026-2027:

•  Create a profile: Use this link to register for a myNSFAS account: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or get the NSFAS App from the App Store or Google Play. Your username will be your ID number.
•  Apply now: To amend your personal information and upload the supporting documents for your application, click the “Apply” option.
•  Complete: Submit your application

NSFAS Contact

For all other queries regarding students:

Tel No.: 08000 67327
Email:info@nsfas.org.za
Physical Address
The Halyard, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001.

Contact UNISA

University of South Africa
P O Box 392 Unisa
0003
Ethics Hotline: 0800 075 278
unisa@thehotline.co.za

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