Unisa is one of the 26 public universities where students can benefit from funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS funding not only covers tuition and registration fees but includes various NSFAS allowances as well.
NSFAS allowances will continue to be disbursed by universities, including Unisa, until the end of 2024. This means that students can rely on this financial support throughout the year.
Previously, it was announced that universities would manage allowance payments only until July 2024. However, a recent update confirmed the extension of this arrangement.
Changes to NSFAS Allowance Payments
The way NSFAS allowances are paid has changed. The old NSFAS Direct payment method, which used a black card, has been discontinued. Universities are now responsible for distributing these funds.
NSFAS Allowances for Unisa Students
Unisa students receiving NSFAS funding are eligible for two main types of allowances:
- Learning Materials Allowance: This covers the cost of textbooks and study materials. The amount depends on the number of modules you're registered for.
- Up to four modules: R700 per module
- Five or more modules: A one-time payment of R5,460
- Living Allowance: This is available to students registered for ten or more modules and includes an incidental allowance.
According to the South African Students Congress, there are plans to pay NSFAS allowances directly to university students starting in 2025. This change is still under discussion.
