UNISA Merit Bursary 2026

By | January 22, 2024

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
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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

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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.
See also  University of South Africa Distance Learning

✅ 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.