Unisa NSFAS Details 2025/2026

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Unisa NSFAS Details 2025/2026

NSFAS loans and bursaries

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a statutory body, funded primarily by the South African National Department of Education and Training, which provides study loans to academically able but financially needy students who wish to study at one of South Africa’s public institutions of higher education.

What is a NSFAS loan?

A NSFAS loan is an award that a student can receive from NSFAS upon applying and qualifying for such loan. This loan has to be repaid with interest (interest of each year is linked to the national inflation rate). A maximum award size is determined for each year by NSFAS. A portion of this award can be converted into a bursary based on academic performance. The size of this bursary is determined by the number of courses which the student has passed. A 100% pass rate will result in a 40% bursary rebate on this NSFAS loan.

NSFAS Loan Criteria:

  • Only South African students studying at public South African Higher Education Institutions;
  • Undergraduate student studying towards a first higher education qualification;
  • Studying for a postgraduate course which is a requirement to practice his/her chosen profession (e.g. Post-graduate Certificate in Education);
  • Any postgraduate degree except, MBA, MBL, DBA or DBL;
  • Student must be able to demonstrate potential for academic success and that he/she is financially needy;
  • Application form has to be fully and correctly completed;
  • All required documentation need to be submitted upon application;
  • Must apply before the closing date as published on the NSFAS webpage www.nsfas.org.za

What is a NSFAS bursary?

A variety of NSFAS bursaries exist, each with its own criteria. A NSFAS bursary is an award that a student receives upon application for such funding. This bursary award does not have to be repaid, if the student however does not wish to adhere to the bursary conditions such bursary is reverted to a loan. This loan will have to be repaid with interest. Please visit the undergraduate bursary page for individual bursary criteria.

NSFAS Post-graduate Loan

This loan has been made available to students studying towards a post-graduate qualification. Students who are financially needy and who are progressing academically can apply for this funding. Closing date for applications: End of September every year.

Please visit www.nsfas.org.za for application.

The Directorate administers donor funds, in the form of study loans and bursaries, according to donors’ criteria. Our main aim is to assist financially needy and academically deserving students. We are proud of the fact that the Directorate has empowered a large number of students from different Colleges and diverse geographical groups. Our vision is to be a beacon of great hope and excellence to our clients.

Our mission is to effectively and efficiently administer all funding at our disposal by ensuring that every stakeholder, particularly students and donors, receive high-quality service from a committed and professional DSF team.

DAC Linguistics bursary:

  • Who can apply:
    Students registered for a BA, BAHons or Masters degree in:

    • African Languages
    • Linguistics
    • Language Practice
  • What does the bursary cover:
    The bursary covers:

    • Tuition
    • Textbooks
    • Academic Essentials
  • When can I apply:
    Applications are currently open. Please download the application form (attached) for completion and submit to:
    DSF-gov@unisa.ac.za

Applications close on 10 January 2025/2026.

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Did you know : International Scholarships 2024

There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:

  1. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
  2. Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
  3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
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These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.

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