What Is the Amount of Unisa Students NSFAS Allowances?The University of South Africa (Unisa), being a distance university, offers a unique academic experience to its students. One significant aspect of this experience is the provision of financial support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
What Is the Amount of Unisa Students NSFAS Allowances?
However, the amount of NSFAS allowances that Unisa students receive has been a topic of concern. Unlike traditional universities, Unisa’s nature demands a distinct approach to disbursing these allowances.
Diverse Learning at Unisa
Unisa stands out as an institution offering degrees, diplomas, and certificates through online resources and study materials. While students primarily study remotely, certain courses require attendance at tutorials and workshops held outside their homes.
NSFAS Funding and its Varied Allocations
Unisa receives funding from NSFAS, which is distributed among eligible students. Due to the university’s distinctive mode of education, the allocation of NSFAS allowances differs from that of conventional universities.
Breakdown of Allowances
Recently, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande provided an update on NSFAS readiness, shedding light on the allowances Unisa students can expect. Distance-learning students who enroll in at least 120 credits in an academic year will receive a personal care allowance of R3,045. Additionally, Unisa NSFAS beneficiaries receive a Learning Materials Allowance, a Living Allowance, and a fixed Living Allowance if they are enrolled in a minimum of ten modules.
Learning Materials Allowance
The Learning Materials Allowance varies based on the number of modules a student registers for. For the initial four completed modules, Unisa students receive R600 per module. A lump sum payment of R5,460 is disbursed after completing the remaining modules. Notably, no further Learning Materials Allowance is provided once the R5200 allowance for the first five modules is paid.
Living Allowance
Students enrolled in ten or more modules receive a Living Allowance to cover incidental expenses. However, Unisa emphasizes that students who register for ten modules and subsequently reduce their registration will forfeit this allowance.
Financial Support Timeline
Unisa students enrolled in ten or more modules receive an incidental allowance of R290 from February to November each year. This allowance helps cover student expenses during these months.
Registration and NSFAS Funding
NSFAS plays a vital role in enabling students to register at Unisa. New applicants awaiting NSFAS funding confirmation must provisionally register with Unisa during the registration period. Returning NSFAS students who haven’t yet completed their qualifications but were funded the previous year can also temporarily register during this period. In cases where NSFAS funding is denied or delayed, alternative funding must be secured before activation of registration.
Smooth Registration Process
If your NSFAS application has been provisionally approved, the registration fee need not be paid. Once Unisa confirms your NSFAS funding, registration is automatically activated. Furthermore, all NSFAS-funded students will have their registration fees refunded after successful processing of registration data.
NSFAS: Enabling Access to Higher Education
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a pivotal role in providing free higher education and training for disadvantaged South Africans. Both public universities and TVET colleges are eligible to apply for NSFAS bursaries, ensuring that higher education remains accessible to those from poor and working-class backgrounds.