NSFAS Application demonstration
Visit https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/how-to-apply.html to apply.
If you are unable to complete the application by yourself, you can visit a National Youth Development Agency Centre, a Thusong Centre or one of NSFAS application partner’s centre near you, where a NSFAS representative will help you apply.
Who should apply?
- Prospective students who applied for admission to the 2024 academic year for a first undergraduate qualification.
- Returning students who took a gap year in 2021 (ie did not study in 2021), who have an incomplete undergraduate qualification and who have not exceeded the N+ rule.
- NSFAS approved returning and new students in 2021 who did not study during the 2021 academic year.
- Students funded by other NSFAS bursaries who wish to switch to the NSFAS DHET grant.
Your NSFAS application will not be considered if you
- received NSFAS funding in 2021.
- have already completed an undergraduate degree or diploma.
- are not a South African citizen.
- need funding for a Short Learning Certificate or Programme or a postgraduate qualification.
2024 registration
Please visit the Unisa registration website for the registration dates: www.unisa.ac.za/register
- Returning NSFAS students who were funded in 2021 but have not yet completed their qualification: Please ensure that you are temporarily registered during Unisa’s registration period while waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation for the 2024 academic year.
- Returning NSFAS students who received funding in 2021, have been declined for funding in 2024 and have appealed the decision: Please pay the minimum registration fee while you wait for the NSFAS appeal decision if you chose to do so.
- First-time NSFAS applicants: Please ensure that you are temporarily registered during Unisa’s registration period while waiting for NSFAS funding confirmation. If your NSFAS application is declined or delayed by close of the registration period, you will be expected to find alternative funding before your registration will be activated.
If your NSFAS application is provisionally approved, you do not need to pay the minimum registration fee. Your registration will be automatically activated based on NSFAS funding confirmation received by Unisa.
Appeal application
If your NSFAS application is rejected, you may appeal during the prescribed appeal application period only. The application process and dates for the appeal will be communicated. New applicants must appeal directly with NSFAS: www.nsfas.org.za
Refunds
- All NSFAS-funded students who pay the minimum registration amount to activate their registration will be refunded.
- A refund will only be processed once NSFAS has confirmed successful processing of registration data to Unisa.
- An application for a refund is not necessary.
Learning Material Allowance and Living Allowance for 2024
- Unisa NSFAS-funded students are only entitled to a Learning Material Allowance (LMA) and Living Allowance (LA).
- Based on the 2021 DHET Grant Funding Guidelines, the LMA is calculated based on the number of modules registered: R600 per module for the first four modules and a R5 200 once-off amount for five to ten modules. If the amount of R5 200 LMA is paid for the first five modules, no additional LMA will be paid for additional modules.
- Based on the 2021 DHET Grant Funding Guidelines, the LA is paid to students registered for ten modules. A student who registers for ten modules and later reduces the number of modules registered will unfortunately forfeit this allowance.
NSFAS bursaries (Department of Social Development, Funza Lushaka, Department of Military Veterans, and Department of Justice [TRC])
- Students funded under these bursaries must renew their funding with their funders during their applicable application dates.
- Students are encouraged to visit their funders’ webpages for application dates.