Nursing at (UNISA) University of South Africa

Nursing at (UNISA) University of South Africa

In 1975, the Department of Nursing Science, now the Department of Health Studies, was established under the leadership of Professor Charlotte Searle. The aim was to meet the need of thousands of nurses for post-registration distance education at University level. The Department intended to provide access to education, to many nurses who could not meet the costs of traditional university education, or cope with the difficulties of attending a residential university. During the past 30 years, distance education for nurses and other health professionals developed into strengthening the health professions. Today it is a WHO Collaborating Centre. It provides a powerful means of education and development of the health professions in general, and nursing in particular. The University of South Africa is a sub-chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Healthcare problems within Africa demand concerted efforts in re-evaluation of systems and methods for effective education of health professionals. Acceptance of changing philosophies and methods of providing health care is essential. So is the concentration on appropriate research. The Department of Health Studies is prepared for the challenge of equiping its students with research skills and expertise to assist in reaching global health needs.

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science At UNISA

Qualification stream: Health Services Management and Education
Qualification code: 0216X – HHS
NQF level: 6
Total credits: 360
SAQA ID: 5365
APS/AS: 20
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  8 years

 

UNISA Nursing Admission And Re-Admission Requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning,
or
A Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning.
Applicants have to be registered with the SA Nursing Council (SANC) or equivalent registering body as a professional nurse.
Applicants, who do not comply with the above requirements, should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

UNISA Student Fees And Funding

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

  • R105 for online applications
  • R160 for hard copy applications

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.

Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science – Unisa

Unisa Nursing Administration

Unisa Nursing Short Courses

Unisa Nursing Bridging Course

Unisa Diploma In Nursing Education

Unisa Midwifery Registered Nurse Entry

Higher Certificate In Nursing At Unisa

Bachelor Of Midwifery Unisa

Contact us

Departmental secretary:
Ms NM Monyae
Tel: + 27(0)12 429 6338(W)
Fax: + 27(0)12 429 6688(W)
Email: shabanm@unisa.ac.za

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.