Unisa Students Will Receive Which Allowances From NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in supporting thousands of South African students, including those enrolled at the University of South Africa (Unisa). Since Unisa is a distance learning institution, the structure of financial support differs slightly from that of contact universities. Students often ask: Which allowances will Unisa students receive from NSFAS?
This article provides a complete breakdown of Unisa NSFAS allowances, eligibility rules, and payment methods for the 2025 academic year.
What is NSFAS and How Does It Support Unisa Students?
NSFAS is a government-funded scheme designed to provide bursaries and loans to underprivileged South African students. This aid covers:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Allowances for study-related and living expenses
For Unisa students, the scheme focuses on distance learning needs, with specific rules on who qualifies for allowances.
NSFAS Allowances for Unisa Students
Unlike full-time students at traditional universities, Unisa NSFAS students primarily receive two allowances:
- Learning Material Allowance
- Living Allowance (with Personal Care allowance included for qualifying students)
Let’s break them down in detail.
1. Learning Material Allowance
This allowance is intended to help students purchase textbooks, study materials, and online resources needed to complete their modules.
The calculation is based on the number of modules a student registers for:
| Number of Modules | Allowance Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 modules | R700 per module | Paid per module |
| 5 or more modules | R5,460 once-off | Capped at this amount for the year |
Example: If a student registers for 5 or more modules, they will receive R5,460 in total as a once-off payment, regardless of additional modules.
2. Living Allowance
The Living Allowance is designed to assist students with essential day-to-day expenses. However, this allowance is only available to students who register for 10 or more modules in a given academic year.
- Students with fewer than 10 modules do not qualify for the Living Allowance.
- The Living Allowance is separate from the Learning Material Allowance.
3. Personal Care / Incidental Allowance
Students registered for 10 or more modules are also entitled to a Personal Care (Incidental) Allowance.
- Amount: R304.50 per month
- Duration: Paid over 10 months (February – November)
- Purpose: Helps students cover small but essential costs such as toiletries, internet data, or transport for exam venues.
Important Note: No Accommodation Allowance for Unisa Students
Since Unisa is a distance learning university, NSFAS does not provide an accommodation allowance. Students are expected to study from home or their chosen environment.
This is a key difference compared to contact universities, where NSFAS covers both residence and private accommodation fees.
How Are NSFAS Allowances Paid to Unisa Students?
Unisa NSFAS allowances are disbursed through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) directly into the student’s registered bank account.
Steps followed include:
- NSFAS releases allowance funds to Unisa.
- Unisa processes payments according to the approved student list.
- Students receive their allowances via EFT into their bank accounts.
Students must ensure that their banking details with Unisa are up to date to avoid delays in payments.
NSFAS Payments Schedule for Unisa
- Allowances are usually paid in 10 monthly installments, from February to November.
- Learning Material Allowances may be paid as a once-off amount depending on module registration.
- Living Allowances and Personal Care Allowances are spread across the academic year.
What Unisa NSFAS Students Receive
| Allowance Type | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Material Allowance | R700 per module (1–4 modules) OR R5,460 once-off (5+ modules) | All NSFAS-funded students |
| Living Allowance | Amount varies | Students with 10+ modules |
| Personal Care Allowance | R304.50 per month for 10 months | Students with 10+ modules |
| Accommodation Allowance | Not applicable | Unisa students do not receive this |
Additional Support from NSFAS
Besides allowances, NSFAS also pays for:
- Tuition fees (fully covered for eligible students)
- Registration fees (covered upfront by NSFAS)
This ensures that Unisa students can register and pursue their studies without immediate financial burden.
Contact Information for Unisa NSFAS Queries
Students with issues regarding allowances or payment delays can contact the Unisa Student Funding Department:
- Email: [email protected]
It’s advisable to use your Unisa student email when contacting NSFAS offices to ensure faster responses.
Conclusion
For 2025, Unisa NSFAS Allowances provide essential support to distance learning students, covering Learning Materials, Living Expenses, and Personal Care Allowances for qualifying students. While Unisa learners do not receive an accommodation allowance, the scheme ensures that tuition, registration, and core study costs are fully covered.
