UNISA (The University of South Africa) is the biggest university in the country in terms of enrollment. Over 400, 000 students have enrolled for courses offered by its different colleges and affiliates. UNISA’s core businesses are education, research and community engagement. The institute strives to make a positive difference through the provision of academic opportunities for promising students.

UNISA has established six regional centers across the country, with the main campus based in Muckleneuck, Pretoria. As part of its community engagement program, the institution offers needy students academic bursaries to study at their regional campuses. This financial aid is open to every candidate who meets the qualification needs established by the fund.

The UNISA Merit Bursary 2026

The UNISA Merit Bursary 2026 aims to provide needy students with funds to continue their education. This financial aid targets South Africans currently engaged in a course at one of UNISA’s campuses. The bursary is open to all disciplines provided by the university’s eight colleges. First-year students do not qualify due to their lack of merit as per the requirements.

Selection is based on academic performance, with applicants required to have achieved a minimum 75% average in their previous studies. Funds from this program will only cater for tuition and prescribed books. Students who received the bursary last year need not apply again but will be expected to maintain the 75% average grade for the qualification.

UNISA Merit Bursary 2026 Application Requirements

Every applicant will need to meet the minimum requirements to qualify for consideration. Students who fail to achieve these criteria will be automatically disqualified from the running. Each candidate should:

• Be a South African citizen
• Be a registered student at one of UNISA’s colleges or affiliates
• Have completed the first-year in their course
• Have maintained a minimum average grade of 75%
• Have registered for a maximum of 5 modules per semester
• Have completed their undergraduate studies as per the university’s guidelines
• Have a capped family income of R600, 000 per annum

Application Process

Students who wish to apply for the bursary can register their interest on the university portal for financial aid before the deadline. It is crucial to ensure that one navigates their way to the correct page (i.e. the Merit bursary fund) to fill out the appropriate forms. You will need your student username and password to log in to this section. Candidates will also be expected to provide the following documents:

• A copy of your ID (Parent’s ID for dependents)
• Documents showing proof of income
• Your academic records

Applications for this bursary can only be accomplished through UNISA’s student portal. Successful applicants will be contacted by the university and will be required to sign a bursary acceptance form.

Bursary Opening & Closing Date

The UNISA Merit bursary application will open on 4 January 2026 and close on 31 March 2026.

Contact Details

For further queries regarding this bursary program, please contact UNISA Office directly:

Address: Hall B, E’skia Mphahlele Building Sunnyside Campus

Telephone Number: 0800 00 1870

E-mail Address: enquire@unisa.ac.za