How Do I Apply For Refund?

The University of South Africa (Unisa) understands that situations may arise where a student needs to request a refund.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for Unisa students navigating the refund application process.

What is Unisa’s Refund Policy?

Unisa’s refund policy is detailed in the Student Fees brochure, available for download on the Unisa website.

It outlines the circumstances under which a student may be eligible for a refund and the applicable percentage based on the withdrawal date.

Generally, a higher percentage of fees is refunded for earlier withdrawals.

These are some of the common instances where a student might be eligible for a refund:

Cancellation of Registration: If you cancel your registration before the commencement of lectures, you may be eligible for a full refund.
Withdrawal from Modules: Withdrawing from modules after registration but before lectures begin may qualify for a partial refund, depending on the number of modules withdrawn.
Overpayment: If you have mistakenly overpaid your fees, you can apply for a full refund.
Unforeseen Circumstances: In cases of documented unforeseen circumstances that prevent you from continuing your studies (e.g. serious illness, death in the family), a full or partial refund may be considered.

The refund application process at Unisa is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:

Download the Refund Application Form: This form is available on the Unisa website under “Student Accounts.”
Complete the Form Accurately: Fill out the application form with your student number, details of the refund request (reason and modules involved, if applicable), and your bank account information.
Attach Supporting Documents: Depending on your reason for requesting a refund, you may need to include supporting documents such as a medical certificate, a death certificate, or proof of overpayment.
Submit Your Application: You can submit your completed application form and supporting documents in one of the following ways:
- Electronically: Scan your documents and email them to [email protected].
- By Fax: Fax your application to 012 429 3584.
- By Post: Send your application by registered mail to:
  - The Director: Student Finance, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Unisa, 0003.

To ensure a swift processing of your refund request, you will need to submit the following documents with your application:

Completed Refund Application Form: You can download the refund application form from the Unisa website.
Proof of Payment: This could be a copy of your bank statement, credit card slip, or any other document reflecting the payment made to Unisa.
Supporting Documentation (if applicable): If your refund request is based on specific reasons (e.g., medical emergency), you may need to submit additional documentation as proof.

The processing time for a refund request at Unisa can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

Generally, it takes between four to six weeks for the refund to be reflected in your bank account.

Unisa will keep you updated on the progress of your application.

Unisa does not offer refunds on application fees.

The application fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing your application for admission to Unisa.

A cancellation refers to withdrawing your entire registration before the commencement of lectures.

In this case, you may be eligible for a full refund, minus an administrative fee.

A withdrawal refers to withdrawing from a specific module after registration has closed and lectures have begun.

You may be eligible for a prorated refund based on the withdrawal date as outlined in the Unisa semester calendar.