How to Acess mylife UNISA account

With more people enrolling in universities, it is important to have efficient systems that can comfortably handle a huge number of students. For this reason, many institutions of higher education are going away from papers and creating online systems to increasing efficiency. University of South Africa (UNISA) is part of the trend, creating a portal to help students access information. The mylife UNISA account allows students to access exams, newsletters, announcement, assignment marks, and so much more.

All students are required to have the myLife email account since important information is posted on the account. The account is free to open and uses the Microsoft Office 365 platform. When you log in myunisa, you will discover that the account looks like an email account and is easy to understand. The myUNISA email is essential during your time at the university, therefore, the following steps are very important for you to activate and access the account for a smooth stay at the institution.

How to set up mylife UNISA account?

How do I make a myLife account? Before you can set up my life UNISA account, you need to have access to your myUNISA Student portal. Here is a straightforward detailed guide to follow when setting up the account.

  • Step 1: Go to the myUNISA student portal.
  • Step 2: Click on ‘Claim UNISA Login.’
  • Step 3: Type in your student number and click ‘Continue.’
  • Step 4: Fill in the personal information form (Surname, Full names, DOB, South African ID No/ Passport No/ Foreign ID. Enter either ID No or Passport No, not both) and click ‘Continue.’
  • Step 5: Read through the terms and check the boxes and then click ‘Acknowledge.’
  • Step 6: You will see a page showing your account details (mylife email address and phone number) and also an initial UNISA password. The password will be for both myUnisa and myLife email account.

Your UNISA email address will be unique for every student, and your UNISA email address will follow the format 123456@mylife.unisa.ac.za.

Accessing myUnisa my life account

To log into myUnisa, go to My UNISA website, and then key in your student number and the initial password given in step 6. Click ‘Login.’ Note that the creation of your myLife email account can take an entire day (24 hours) after claiming your Unisa login.

How do I access myLife Unisa?

To access your myLife email account, you need to follow the following mylife login steps:

  1. Go to www.mylife.unisa.ac.za login or click on myLife email option on login page. The page will redirect you to Microsoft outlook. 
  2. Enter your UNISA email provided in step 6 and UNISA mylife password.
  3. Click ‘Sign in’. Simple!

Mylife UNISA login can also happen by clicking on the myLife Email Access on your student portal while logged in.

NOTE: Make sure to log out your myUnisa email account when done especially when accessing through a public computer or device.

Activating myunisa password

How do I get my Unisa password? At times, 24 hours may have elapsed you have not received your password, or the password sent is not working. What do you do? You need to get to myUnisa login my admin login to change your password. Here are the necessary steps to follow:

  • Step 1: Go to myUnisa login. Enter your User name and password and click login.
  • Step 2: Click on ‘My Admin’.
  • Step 3: Click on ‘Change Password’.
  • Step 4: Fill the form provided to update your password. The password will be for both myUnisa and myLife accounts.

It may take about half an hour (30 minutes) for new myunisa password to be active on your myLife services during peak seasons. However, if you still cannot log in to your account, send an email to MyLifeHelp@unisa.ac.za and you will be assisted. 

Ensure you keep your myLife UNISA account credentials safe. The myLife account is a crucial part of the learning process at UNISA, so, it is mandatory that you have an account as soon as possible. Make sure to also log in to your myLife email account to check for new messages. If you have followed the above steps and it worked, kindly share your opinion in the comment section below.ADVERTISEMENT

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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.