How to Enrol Unisa

By | May 25, 2016
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How to Enrol Unisa

UNISA Registration Guidelines

It can be tough figuring out how to apply to study with UNISA, how to register with UNISA and how MyUNISA works. UNISA Registration dates are also important to keep track of so you know when you can register.

It’s never too early to start researching subjects, checking out study tips and exam tips to make sure you get the most out of MyUNISA and your complete UNISA experience.

UNISA Registration Process 101

Before you can start registering for courses with UNISA, you need to apply to the actual university. This happens before the registration and when you actively begin to study. Applications are accepted in April and August (so it’s best to register early). Follow the UNISA Application tutorial here.

For first-time students at UNISA, here is a list of steps to make your registration stress-free:

  1. Take action and Register

Visit www.unisa.ac.za and click on the Register button located at the top of the page in the middle.

UNISA Register button

  1. Choose the option that is applicable to you

  • Undergraduate & honours qualifications
  • Master’s & doctoral degrees
  • Short Learning Programmes
Different UNISA Programmes

  1. Registration Process Begins

UNISA registration process start

Read the text and once you are ready click on the Start the process button.

start the process

  1. Find your qualification

choose qualification

There are multiple ways to search for your qualification. Choose the option that suits you.

Different ways to search

Once your search is complete, select your qualification.

Select qualification

Once you are happy with the qualification you selected, scroll down and click the Proceed to calculating your student fees button.

proceed to calculating your student fees

  1. Calculate your study fees

calculate unisa study fees

Read the text and use the buttons under the Prescribed student fees heading to help you calculate your study fees.

prescribed student fees

  1. Submit your registration

Once you have calculated your study fees, click on number 3 in the Registration Process.

submit your registration

Read the text and use the buttons under the Registration Options heading to choose which way you will submit your registration.

Hint: The online option is the quickest.

unisa registration options

  1. Pay your study fees

After submitting your registration you need to pay your study fees. Click on number 4 to continue.

pay your study fees

Click the Payment methods button to explore the different options UNISA accepts.

payment methods unisa accepts

Once you have made payment you can click on the What to do after you’ve completed the registration process button at the bottom of the page.

after registration complete button

  1. What happens after registration?

You can find useful information on this page which will explain what you can do now that you have completed your UNISA registration.

After registration

Together We Pass’s helpful tips from Nita Ramroop and Nerraine September on UNISA registration:

  1. Register early

If you register in January, you lose five weeks of study time! Remember how stressful this term was and try to work consistently throughout this term. You can then register online, at a regional office or by post/fax. It’s advisable to register online as that is the fastest and easiest. Register online.

See also  Rhodes University Entry Requirement

  1. Check any outstanding work

If you are already a UNISA student, check the modules you still have to complete. UNISA often change their UNISA course codes and if you submit an assignment under an old course code, it will be listed as outstanding.

  1. Check the textbooks that are required for each subject

Some textbooks are updated every year and the one you have may be out of date. Other textbooks, you may be able to use for a couple of years in a row. Best to check before you register (and before you buy or sell any study notes). Check which textbooks have been prescribed for your module.

  1. Be wise when choosing your modules

Many students get demotivated or give up if they start with a module they aren’t interested in or one that is too hard. Start with a module you think you’ll enjoy and it will encourage you to keep going. When registering for your modules, make sure that you use the module code and not the module name.

  • Don’t wait for your marks to be released as they are always late! Choose modules that don’t have prerequisites or that have prerequisites that you already fulfil.
  • Remember you can register some modules now and others (if you are waiting for marks) later.
  • You can confirm your qualification, choose your modules and calculate your fees.

 

    1. Look at the exam dates

       

 

Check the above three points again and see which exams aren’t too close together. It’s a tough process, but try plan at least one day between each paper to perform your best. Use this tool to check your exam dates.

    1. Look at your resources

       

 

Before you register, ensure you have internet access and good computer knowledge as these are crucial to you having a worthwhile academic experience.

    1. Manage your payment

       

 

When you’re on the UNISA site, choose the online registration option. A new tab will pop up with instructions. Follow the instructions and then pay directly after registration. When you’ve paid your required amount, print out your proof of payments and fax it through to UNISA’s registration department.

What is MyUNISA?

MyUNISA is going to be central to your study experience from when you’ve registered.  MyUNISA allows you to submit assignments online and keep up to date with all the relevant information for your UNISA course.  MyUNISA has many great features, and some that aren’t so hot. Here’s a full list of pros and cons for MyUNISA. If you’re looking to join a UNISA study group, sign up with Together We Pass.  We offer online discussion forums to UNISA students, an assignment tool to submit and compare assignment answers and many valuable resources compiled by students who are studying your particular UNISA course. Remember you need to first create a free account, and then add your study group to your account.

Check out the video clip below about the UNISA registration process

Related Resources

🧠 Best Brainz Education Educational resources and academic support services
🔍 Smart Search for Everyone Educational resources and academic support services

 

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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