University of South Africa Addis Ababa

By | April 2, 2016

Unisa - University of south africa

University of South Africa Addis Ababa

University of South Africa Addis Ababa, College of Graduate Studies

Ethiopia Graduate Office

The UNISA – Ethiopia Graduate Office in the College of Graduate Studies was inaugurated in January, 2007. It has bilateral relationship with the Ethiopian government that has provided UNISA with the premise that belongs to the Ethiopian National Bank. Currently, the premise is shared between UNISA and Addis Ababa University (UNISA occupying about 10-15%).

In Ethiopia, UNISA grants qualifications at all levels (Undergraduate, Honors, Master’s and Doctoral). It also receives students in all Colleges (CAES, CEDU, CEMS, CAS, CHS, CLAW, and CSET). Currently, there are 17 staff members in the Academy – the Country Director being a South African and the rest Ethiopians.

The University of South Africa has started operating in Ethiopian since 2007 in a mutual understanding to assist the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) government in capacity building at the postgraduate level. In light of this UNISA-Ethiopia regional learning centre does have a large number of master and doctoral students enrolled in the seven colleges under different departments.  According to the statistics of May 2012 there are 370 doctoral students registered at the centre and currently doctoral students constitute more than half of the total student population.

In order to realize the expectation of the Ethiopian government UNISA has enrolled large number of M & D students and has been providing a variety of academic support and administrative services to doctoral students. Academic support is provided through postgraduate workshops that aim to train students in proposal writing and other parts of their research.  In doing so the University has invested a lot of money and resources to produce a competent and skillful graduates. In addition to the academic support services through the regional office UNISA provides administrative support services such as: registration, library, ICT, counseling and finance.

The research aim is to seek access and present factual data Ethiopian doctoral students research experiences in the areas of supervision, skill development, University climate and their predisposed expectation of supervision, skill development and University climate. The study conducted for this report had the following specific aims:

  • To explore doctoral students’ experience of the quality of supervision
  • To explore doctoral students’ perception of the skill development gained through their research work
  • To explore doctoral students’ perception of the University climate
  • To explore doctoral students’ expectations of the supervision process, skill development and university climate

Contact details:
Prof Zodwa Motsa
Tel: 00 25 111 435 0080
E-mail: motsazgt@unisa.ac.za

 


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.

 

See also  Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Nursing Application 2026