How Much Is NSFAS Allowance For Unisa Students?

As a distance learning leader, Unisa caters to a large population of students who rely on NSFAS funding to complete their studies.

But how much exactly can Unisa students expect to receive through NSFAS allowances?

This article explains the various allowances available, eligibility criteria, and how the amounts are calculated.

What NSFAS Allowances Do Unisa Students Get?

Unlike students in traditional universities, Unisa students funded by NSFAS only receive two main allowances:

1. Learning Material Allowance (LMA): This allowance helps students cover the cost of textbooks and other required study materials.
2. Personal Care (Incidental) Allowance: This small monthly allowance is only for students who register for a full study load. It is not a living allowance.

It’s important to note that Unisa students don’t receive a living, meal, transport or accommodation allowance through NSFAS.

How Much is the Learning Material Allowance (LMA) for Unisa Students?

The LMA for Unisa students is calculated based on the number of modules they register for in a particular academic year. If you register for one semester only, the NSFAS rules halve the learning material allowance.

Here’s the breakdown:

1. Students registered for 1 to 4 modules receive R660 per module.
2. Students registered for 5 or more modules receive R5,678 for the academic year.

There’s a cap, however. If a student receives the R5,678 allowance for registering for five or more modules, they won’t get any additional LMA for registering for even more modules.

How Much is the Personal Care Allowance for Unisa Students?

Unisa students don’t automatically qualify for the personal care (incidental) allowance.

To be eligible, they must be registered for a minimum of 10 modules in an academic year (a full-time-equivalent load of 120 credits).

Additionally, they must be funded by the NSFAS DHET Grant or the NSFAS DHET Disability Grant.

If they meet these criteria, students receive R316.70 a month for 10 months, which is R3,167 for the academic year. These are Unisa’s current figures.

These are some additional points to consider regarding the personal care allowance:

1. Unisa pays the allowance by EFT into your own bank account. Unisa sends the link for loading your bank details to your myLife email.
2. It’s intended to help with personal care costs such as toiletries. It is not a meal or living allowance.

How Many Modules Do I Need to Qualify for the NSFAS Allowance?

A minimum registration of ten modules is required in order for you to qualify for the NSFAS personal care allowance.

This is a full course load for distance learning students at Unisa.

A lighter load does not by itself stop NSFAS from funding your tuition and learning material allowance, but you will not get the personal care allowance.

What If My Allowances Seem Incorrect?

If you believe there’s a discrepancy with your NSFAS allowance disbursement, here are the steps to take:

1. Contact Unisa’s Directorate Student Funding: Email dsf-nsfas@unisa.ac.za with your student number. They can investigate the issue and provide guidance. You can find their contact information on the Unisa website.
2. NSFAS Student Portal: The NSFAS student portal allows you to view your funding allocation and track disbursement. If you notice any discrepancies, report them through the portal.

Remember that it’s always best to address any concerns promptly to ensure you receive the correct allowances you’re entitled to.

How do I apply for NSFAS funding for Unisa?

You can apply for NSFAS funding online through the NSFAS website (myNSFAS). NSFAS had not announced the 2027 application dates by 17 September 2026, so check nsfas.org.za for the opening date.

What are the requirements for NSFAS funding for Unisa?

To qualify for NSFAS funding at Unisa, you must be a South African citizen and your combined household income must not be more than R350,000 a year. Returning students must pass at least half of their registered modules. NSFAS funds only your first undergraduate qualification and does not fund postgraduate study, including honours.

When are NSFAS allowances paid to Unisa students?

Unisa pays NSFAS allowances by EFT into your own bank account once your funding and registration are confirmed. Unisa has not published one fixed payment day.

For payment queries, email Unisa’s Directorate Student Funding at dsf-nsfas@unisa.ac.za.

How can I contact NSFAS if I have questions about my allowance?

If you have any questions about your NSFAS allowance, you can contact the NSFAS call centre on 08000 67327 or email info@nsfas.org.za.