Unisa Student Portal and myLife

Unisa Student Portal and myLife

myUnisa is a secure page for registered UNISA students, which will give you direct access to important information.

You can also access course information, check examination results, access study materials, announcements and will allow you to update your personal information on the myunisa student portal.

You will be able to join online discussion forums, submit myunisa assignments and access a number of other resources.

myUnisa provides you with 24-hour access to your information and learning resources.

It will also allow you to become part of an online learning community, which means that you will be able to interact with your lecturers and fellow students regularly.

The University of South Africa recently teamed up with Cell C, MTN and Telkom to ensure that you won’t pay any data costs when visiting myUnisa or the Unisa website.

The school is also busy in negotiations with Vodacom and hope to reach an agreement with them soon.

If you have any problems with the free browsing experience, feel free to contact your network provider.

How to Become myUnisa User

myunisa login page

After receiving confirmation from the University of South Africa that you are a registered UNISA student, you must do the following to become part of this innovative learning community:

  • Claim your free myLife e-mail account before you join myUnisa.
  • Login to your myUnisa student portal.
  • Complete the verification process.

How to log into my life at Unisa

If you already have a myunisa account, you don’t have to go through the processes I have outlined below. Just click on “click here to log in” button and enter your details to have access to your account.

Or

You can log in directly via https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal/xlogin

The initial login details will give you access to these systems:

  • myUnisa – teaching and learning system and the Unisa Library.
  • myLife – a web-based email for UNISA students.

How to claim myUnisa login

This is a step-by-step guide for the initial login access.

  1. Go to the homepage of myUnisa (https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal).
  2. Click on “claim Unisa login” located on the top menu.
  3. Enter your student number.
  4. Enter your personal information (Remember to enter either an ID number or a passport number, not both).
  5. Read the guidelines (Read and acknowledge that you have read each statement. Click on the “acknowledge” button to take you to the final page).
  6. Your password (Your password for both myUnisa and your myLife e-mail account will appear on the screen. Your initial password will be sent to the mobile phone number you provided).
  7. Login to myUnisa (Type in your student number, your password provided in step 6, and click “Login”).

Note: The password provided is your initial myUnisa password. You can change it later.

How to login to your myLife e-mail account

Once you have claimed your Unisa login, it may take up to 24 hours for your myLife email account to be created.

Accessing your myLife e-mail account

Due to a recent Microsoft update, you will no longer be able to directly access your myLife e-mail account when logged in to myUnisa.

There is a new procedure to access your myLife e-mail account or office 365 unisa mylife email.

To access your myLife e-mail account, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the http://mylife.unisa.ac.za/
  2. Enter your full e-mail address (eg xxxxxxxx@mylife.unisa.ac.za) and your password for your myLife e-mail account.
  3. Select “Sign in“.
  4. Then click “sign out” after you’re done with everything. Remember to sign out of both accounts. Do not just close the windows.

Why should I use my myLife e-mail account?

  • Unisa will send all official communication (eg your exam timetable and results) to this e-mail account, which means that it’s very easy to find information when you need it.
  • You can access your myLife e-mail account from any network and from anywhere in the world. You just need internet access.

How to change myUnisa and myLife password

If in any case you have forgotten your mylife password, or have any ‘invalid login’ messages, it may be necessary to reset your myUnisa password to synchronize it with your myLife mailbox.

  • Login to myUnisa and click on “My Admin“.
  • Click on the “Change Password” link.
  • Complete the form to update your password. Note that this new password will be active for both your myUnisa and myLife services.

Important information

During peak periods, it may take approximately 30 minutes for the new password to activate on the myLife service.

If you are still experiencing problems after resetting your password, send an e-mail to MyLifeHelp@unisa.ac.za for assistance.

Don’t forget to always visit myunisa announcement page. There are scholarship opportunities and other important info on that page.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


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.