VerifiedNo. The “gap grant” was a once-off government grant for 2017 only. Unisa does not run a gap grant today, and its Unisa’s student funding page does not list one. Students from “missing middle” households now look to the NSFAS Student Loan and to bursaries.
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What the gap grant was
- In 2017 government paid the fee increase from 2016 to 2017 for students from families earning up to R600,000 a year.
- At Unisa it was worth R40 to R200 per module and appeared on student accounts as “DHET – GAP GRANT”.
- Applications ran from 10 to 24 November 2017. It has not been offered since.
What exists now for missing middle students
| Funding | Who it is for | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| NSFAS Student Loan | South Africans with household income of R350,001 to R600,000 | Tuition, books and accommodation under the 2025 loan guidelines; no transport allowance |
| NSFAS bursary | Household income up to R350,000 (R600,000 with a disability) | Tuition and allowances for a first undergraduate qualification |
| Unisa merit bursary | Students with an average of 75% or more in the previous year | Tuition and prescribed textbooks; by invitation |
| Hillensberg Trust bursary | Missing middle students in selected fields with a 60% average | Tuition, textbooks and more; by invitation |
How the NSFAS Student Loan works
- You apply on myNSFAS. If you already applied for the NSFAS bursary, NSFAS says you do not need a separate application (see its NSFAS Student Loan page).
- The 2025 loan guidelines require you to keep a 60% average, and a parent or guardian signs as surety.
- No interest is charged while you study. Repayment starts once you are employed.
- Students who finish in minimum time with a 70% average can qualify for a discount on the loan.
Anyone asking for money to “unlock” a Unisa gap grant is running a scam.
See what NSFAS pays Unisa students.
Frequently asked questions
Does Unisa still offer the gap grant?
No. It was a government grant for 2017 only.
What replaced the gap grant for missing middle students?
The NSFAS Student Loan for household incomes of R350,001 to R600,000.