The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the form of bursaries and loans. This assistance is available to students studying at any of the 26 public universities or 50 TVET Colleges.
One such university where students can access NSFAS bursaries is Unisa, which includes allowances to cater to student needs. However, the university has recently had to address false messages circulating regarding these NSFAS allowances.
A fake message circulated among students claimed that NSFAS disbursements were halted due to the absence of the DSF NSFAS manager, who was said to be on leave until May 7, 2024. The message further stated that payments couldn't proceed without their authorisation, but assured a swift resumption upon their return.
Unisa promptly debunked these rumours, clarifying that the messages did not originate from the university. They affirmed, "the message circulating on social media about the unavailability of DSF staff is fake and not issued by UNISA."
The university disclosed that allowances had been paid to 149,348 students and would continue as students update their banking details. They urged students to activate their Unisa myLife email addresses to receive a link for updating their banking information, with any queries directed to [email protected].
Students must await the link from Unisa on their myLife email before updating their banking details. Unisa has been disbursing NSFAS allowances since 19th March 2024.
Regarding NSFAS allowances for 2024, NSFAS reported that 25 out of 26 universities had paid allowances to students. This followed an agreement where institutions assumed responsibility for February NSFAS allowances. Unisa, like other universities, will manage February and March NSFAS allowances, with a return to direct payment in April 2024. Students must register with the direct payment service providers designated to their institutions.
Unisa NSFAS students will receive remittance advice confirming the amount to be paid. Remittance advice serves as notification that payment for an invoice has been transmitted and will be received shortly. Once students receive their remittance advice, allowances will be disbursed within 48 hours.
