Categories: University Admissions 2023

How Can I Apply For NSFAS At UNISA 2026

Applications for the 2026 academic year under the UNISA National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are open from September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. This is an opportunity for UNISA students to receive financial assistance for their studies. New and returning students applying for UNISA 2026 admissions are encouraged to apply now to secure funding for registration, tuition, housing, transportation, learning materials, and monthly allowances for food and toiletries.

Qualifications for NSFAS Funding>>Who can Apply For NSFAS

Your NSFAS application will only be considered if you:

Are yet to receive NSFAS funding in 2026
Are yet to complete an undergraduate degree or diploma.
Are a South African citizen.
need funding for a diploma and Bachelor degree’s qualifications.
A Student who has completed a higher certificate and will be starting a degree/diploma qualification in 2026 must re-apply for NSFAS funding.
Have an email account and a cell number
Have a combined household income of R350,000 or less
Are physically challenged
Are a recipient of SASSA

See Also: NSFAS Monthly Allowance 2026

UNISA NSFAS Monthly Allowances

Below is a breakdown of the NSFAS allowances each UNISA student will receive for the academic year 2026, which will be announced or paid in June 2026.

Accommodation Allowance under UNISA By the real rates imposed by UNISA (NSFAS Rent Allowance, private housing expenses may not exceed university housing expenses),
UNISA NSFAS provides annual transportation allowances of R7 500 for trips up to 40 kilometers from the institution.
A yearly living allowance of R15,000 for each student at UNISA
Students in the UNISA NSFAS program are given a yearly book allowance of R5200.
For students residing in catered apartments, an incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per year is provided.

Read Also: NSFAS For UNISA Students 2026

How to Apply for NSFAS

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 the time the registration period closes, you will be expected to find alternative funding before your registration is activated.

To register for NSFAS Funding, follow the steps below

Go to the MyNSFAS website.
Click on the “Register” or “Create Account” button
Choose the ‘APPLY’ tab after creating your account.
Edit personal information.
Complete blank fields
Upload the documents below:
- Smart card: both sides of the card required
- Proof of income (where applicable)
- Persons living with disability (Disability Annexure A form)
- Copy of student ID / Birth certificate
- Copy of parent/s or guardian/ spouse ID
- An applicant who is recognized as a vulnerable child by the Department of Social Development must provide a completed Vulnerable Child Declaration form completed by a social worker
- Declaration form: Non-SASSA
Submit your NSFAS application Forms

UNISA NSFAS Contacts

NSFAS Toll-Free Helpline:
- Phone Number: 08000 NSFAS (08000 67327)
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 am to 5:00 pm
NSFAS Email:
- Email Address: info@nsfas.org.za
NSFAS Online Platforms:
- Official Website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Contact Page: www.nsfas.org.za/content/contact.html
NSFAS Social Media:
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme – NSFAS