Students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) will be paid allowances if they are funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The government funding scheme has revealed how Unisa students will be paid their allowances in July 2025.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. NSFAS funding covers tuition, registration fees and several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Many students enrolled in Unisa courses benefit from NSFAS funding.
How Unisa NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid For July 2025
Unisa confirmed that NSFAS allowances are paid by the institution via EFT in the student’s bank account.
NSFAS allowances are paid by the institution via EFT in the student’s bank account.
This is consistent with the allowance payment methods for all University students.
Unisa advised students whose allowances appear to be wrong or not loaded should contact the Unisa student funding department at DSF-NSFAS@unisa.ac.za.
Students funded by the NSFAS often wonder why their study fee accounts reflect an outstanding balance despite having approved funding. While the scheme takes responsibility for settling tuition fees, these payments may occur later in the academic year.
It's also important to note that NSFAS will not pay the historical debt of newly funded students.
An outstanding balance on a study fee account will not impact a student's access to critical university services. This includes receiving study materials, marking assignments, and sitting for exams.
NSFAS funding applies only to students registered for their first qualification and courses covered under its funding policy. However, students should note that NSFAS does not cover additional charges such as fees for supplementary exams, remarking, or textbooks billed directly to the study fee account.
