Does NSFAS Pay Registration Fee At Unisa?

If you’re a prospective Unisa student relying on NSFAS funding, you might be wondering if it covers the registration fee.

The answer is yes, NSFAS does pay the registration fee at Unisa under specific conditions.

Does NSFAS Cover Registration Fee at Unisa?

Yes, if your NSFAS application is approved for funding at Unisa, NSFAS will cover your registration fee in addition to your tuition fees.

This takes away a major expense for qualifying students and allows them to focus on their studies.

Take a look at the process:

1. Once your NSFAS application is provisionally approved and you meet Unisa’s academic requirements, you won’t need to pay the minimum registration fee to activate your studies.
2. Unisa will receive confirmation from NSFAS regarding your funding status.
3. Based on this confirmation, Unisa will automatically activate your registration without requiring any upfront payment from you.
4. You’ll receive an SMS notification from Unisa confirming your successful registration.

This applies only to first-year students registering for their first qualification.

NSFAS funding doesn’t cover registration fees for postgraduate studies or second qualifications.

What fees does NSFAS cover at Unisa?

Beyond the registration fee, NSFAS funding at Unisa generally covers the following:

1. Tuition fees for your registered modules
2. A living allowance to assist with accommodation and other essential living expenses (amount may vary depending on your circumstances)
3. In some cases, a personal care allowance for incidental expenses

It’s important to note that NSFAS funding does not cover:

1. Application fees for NSFAS or Unisa
2. Additional course materials like prescribed textbooks
3. Late registration fees or penalties
4. Examination fees (including re-examinations and remarking)
5. Accommodation or transport costs beyond the living allowance

How do I know if NSFAS has paid my registration fee at Unisa?

There are a few ways to confirm if NSFAS has settled your registration fee at Unisa:

1. Track your NSFAS application status: Your NSFAS online portal will display updates on your application, including confirmation of registration data being sent to Unisa.
2. Check your Unisa student account: If you log in to your myUnisa account, you should see no outstanding balance for the registration fee.
3. Receive SMS notification: Upon successful registration activation, Unisa will send you an SMS confirmation.

What if I pay the registration fee at Unisa before NSFAS confirmation?

If you’ve already paid the registration fee before receiving confirmation of NSFAS funding, you will be eligible for a refund. Here’s what to do:

1. Wait for confirmation from NSFAS regarding your funding status.
2. Once confirmed, contact the Unisa finance department with your student number and relevant documentation proving the NSFAS funding and your registration fee payment.
3. The Unisa finance department will process your refund request.

I always advise that you wait for NSFAS confirmation before making any upfront payments to avoid unnecessary delays with refunds.

What if my NSFAS application is still pending when registration opens?

If your NSFAS application is still under review when Unisa registration opens, don’t panic. Here are your options:

1. Contact NSFAS: Inquire about the estimated processing timeline for your application.
2. Contact Unisa: Explain your situation to the Unisa finance department. They may offer temporary registration options or payment plans while you await NSFAS confirmation. However, late registration fees might apply in this case.

What if my NSFAS application is declined?

If your NSFAS application is declined, you’ll be responsible for settling the registration fee at Unisa and any other outstanding fees before accessing your studies. 

Unisa offers various payment options, including installments.