Unisa NSFAS Application 2026/2027

The University of South Africa (UNISA), recognized as Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, is set to open applications for the 2026 academic year between 11 August 2025 and October 10, 2025, for undergraduate qualifications, honours degrees, and postgraduate diplomas. Prospective students aiming to secure a spot at UNISA for 2026 can navigate the application process online, which is accessible from anywhere in the world.

Applicants will need to choose their desired qualification, complete personal information, upload certified and scanned copies of required documents, and pay the application fee. Required documents generally include an ID document or passport, a Senior Certificate/National Senior Certificate, and tertiary academic records if applicable. International applicants must meet equivalent qualifications and provide a valid passport. For financial support, students can apply for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), UNISA bursaries and scholarships, or external bursaries and loans.

NSFAS funding is primarily available to South African citizens or permanent residents with a combined gross household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum, with SASSA recipients automatically qualifying on financial eligibility. Students with disabilities may qualify for NSFAS funding if their combined household income does not exceed R600,000 per annum. NSFAS typically funds a student’s first qualification and does not cover postgraduate courses as of the 2021 academic year.

Learn more: Unisa NSFAS Allowance 2026/2027

UNISA Application Dates for 2026

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is expected to open applications for admission to undergraduate courses for the 2026 academic year from 18 August to 10 October 2025. During this same period, applications for honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas are also expected to be open. For those interested in Master’s and doctoral programmes, applications are already open for selected courses.

NSFAS Unisa 2026 Application Date

2026 NSFAS applications are now open on 1 September and will close on 31st January 2026. Applicants are urged to submit their applications before the closing date, as late applications may not be considered for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Eligibility Criteria for NSFAS Funding

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.

Who should not apply for the Unisa NSFAS Application

Your NSFAS application will not be considered if you
Students who have already completed a previous qualification are not eligible for NSFAS funding.
Applicants whose combined household income is more than R350,000 per year do not qualify for financial support.
Students who have already applied for NSFAS, been approved, and received funding in the past will continue to be funded for the rest of their studies, as long as they pass their modules and meet all the academic performance requirements.

Required Documents for NSFAS Application

NSFAS needs information to confirm the employment and income of an applicant’s parents, guardians, or spouse.

NSFAS Declaration Form: completed by the school principal or social worker. (Non-SASSA only)
Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form: completed by a social worker for applicants under 18. (Non-SASSA only)
NSFAS Consent Form: signed by the applicant and/or parent, guardian, or spouse. (Not needed for SASSA recipients)
If the applicant has a legal guardian, court-issued proof is required.
For non-court-appointed guardians, submit the NSFAS Declaration Form.

UNISA NSFAS Application Procedure for 2026

For the registration dates, please visit the Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za/Apply/Apply. To apply, follow the steps below;

Create a profile:

Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.

Apply now: