UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026

By | January 22, 2024

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the biggest tertiary institutions on the continent. The school has six major campuses around the country, as well as an established branch in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its alumni comprise of notable figures such as Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

One of the forefront objectives of UNISA is to provide quality education to underprivileged students. The institute strives to find solutions to the developmental and educational obstacles facing Africa today. A major part of this objective revolves around the financial aid offered by the university. Students who looking to further their education can apply for a master’s and doctoral bursary for the coming year.

The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026

The UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026 targets candidates seeking a higher level degree. Students who already have a postgraduate degree at a similar or higher level will not qualify for the bursary. The Master’s bursaries are awarded according to degree by research and experimental research and degree by coursework. Doctoral bursaries are awarded according to degree by research and degree by experimental research.

These bursaries cover the basic tuition and research essentials up to a limited amount. The values of these bursaries as awarded in 2026 areas follows:

  • Master’s degree by research and experimental research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R55000 divided over the first two consecutive years of study towards the qualification;
  • Master’s degree by coursework: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R25000 divided over the first two consecutive years of study towards the qualification;
  • Doctoral degree by research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R80000 divided over the first three consecutive years of study towards the qualification and
  • Doctoral degree by experimental research: The bursary covers tuition fees and research essentials limited to R120000 divided over the first three consecutive years of study towards the qualification.

The financial cap and time period involved will depend on the particular bursary awarded. Candidates will be chosen based on their academic merit, current priorities in the research field, innovative specialization and the availability of funds. The bursary is open to both South African and international students.

UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary 2026 Application Requirements

Candidates who wish to apply for this bursary will need to be a registered student of the University of South Africa. The applicant must also meet the minimum requirements related to their bursary of choice. Students applying for a degree by research or experimental research bursary will need:

  • A Master’s and doctoral motivation form
  • UNISA proposal module results
  • Proof of registration
  • An approval from the MDRBC (Master’s and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee)
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This approval will be based on academic progress, appropriate methodology, the standard of work, current priorities in the research field and innovative specializations.

Students applying for a degree by coursework bursary will need to include the following with their application:

  • A Master’s and doctoral motivation form
  • Your academic record (you must have passed at least two modules in a Master’s degree by coursework)
  • Proof of registration
  • An approval from the MDRBC (Master’s and Doctoral Research Bursary Committee)

This approval will be based on a supervisor’s report from the motivation form and the coursework modules that have already been completed by the student.

Application Process

Candidates who are interested in applying for this bursary should log on to the UNISA website to download the Master’s and doctoral Motivation Form. Or you can also download the Motivation Form from below:

This form must need to be completed by both the candidate and their supervisor. It is crucial to note the different motivation forms for the New and Returning applicants, to ensure the best selection.

Once the form has been filled, the candidate should submit the document online via the myUnisa student portal. This will require a username and password to log into an account. Only applications submitted via the myUnisa platform will be taken into consideration. Hard copies and email applications will be disregarded. Candidates should be a student of a UNISA campus or affiliate to qualify for this bursary.

Bursary Opening & Closing Date

  • For Returning UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Research bursary applicants: 23 November 2026 to 29 January 2026.
  • For New UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Research bursary applicants: 4 January 2026 to 31 March 2026.

Contact Details

For further queries regarding this bursary program, please email UNISA directly at CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za

Or Contact,

Mr Muzi Mamba
Telephone Number: 012 429 3462
E-mail Address: mambama@unisa.ac.za
Address:  Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Building, 9-127 Sunnyside campus

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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.

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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.