How do I make EFT payments to Unisa?
The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a convenient Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) option for settling your student fees.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide for South African students on making Unisa EFT payments.
We’ll go into details about the process, important details to remember, and address frequently asked questions.
What are EFT Payments to Unisa?
An EFT payment involves electronically transferring funds from your bank account directly to Unisa’s designated account.
This eliminates the need for cash deposits or cheques and thereby, offering a secure and efficient way to settle your fees.
What to Consider Before Making an EFT Payment
These are some of the this you must consider before making any EFT payment:
- Unisa Beneficiary Status: Verify if your bank has pre-registered “Unisa Student Deposits” as a beneficiary. This simplifies the process by eliminating the need to manually capture account details.
- Reference Information: Using the correct reference information is crucial for Unisa to allocate your payment accurately. This typically includes your student number and a specific fee code depending on the payment type (e.g. study fees, library fees).
- Processing Time: EFT payments may take a few business days to reflect in your Unisa account. Factor this in when considering deadlines for fee settlements.
How to Make a Unisa EFT Payment
To make any form of payment to Unisa through EFT, this is the process you must follow:
- Log in to your Online Banking Platform: Access your internet banking through your bank’s website or mobile app.
- Initiate a Payment: Locate the “Payments” or “Transfers” section and proceed to initiate a new payment.
- Select Beneficiary: Choose “Unisa Student Deposits” if pre-registered. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually capture Unisa’s banking details (refer to the Unisa website for the latest account information).
- Enter Payment Details: Input the following details:
- Beneficiary Name: Unisa Student Deposits (if pre-registered) or the provided account name.
- Account Number: The Unisa student deposit account number (obtain from the Unisa website).
- Reference: Include your student number followed by the appropriate fee code (refer to the Unisa website for specific codes).
- Amount: Enter the exact fee amount due to Unisa.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all entered information for accuracy before submitting the payment.
Which Banks Allow EFT Payments for Unisa?
Currently, Unisa’s student deposit account is pre-registered as a beneficiary at:
- First National Bank (FNB)
- Standard Bank
- Capitec Bank
- Mercantile Bank
Unisa is working on registering the account with other banks, including:
- Nedbank
- Absa
- Investec
- Bidvest Bank
- Discovery Bank
- Tyme Bank
What is the Reference Information Required for Unisa EFT Payments?
The reference information for your EFT payment should include your student number followed by a specific fee code depending on the payment type.
Unisa provides a breakdown of these codes on their website. For instance:
- 5400374721: Study fees
- 5400374225: Library fees
- 5352X74608: Matriculation exemption fees
How Long Does it Take for an EFT Payment to Reflect in My Unisa Account?
EFT payments normally take a few business days to reflect in your Unisa student account.
It’s advisable that you factor in this processing time when making payments close to deadlines.
What if I Use an Incorrect Reference When Making an EFT Payment?
Incorrect reference information can cause delays in allocating your payment to the appropriate account.
If you suspect you’ve used an incorrect reference, contact the Unisa Finance Division as soon as possible for assistance.
Can I Make an EFT Payment from Outside South Africa?
While EFT payments are primarily designed for South African bank accounts, international students may explore wire transfer options offered by their banks.
However, these transactions often incur additional fees