The NSFAS grant application process for UNISA students for 2019 is relatively simple to follow if you have all the information. Please read this page carefully so you know how to apply for your NSFAS grant in 2019.
NSFAS grant application process for UNISA students for 2019
- The Extended NSFAS grant application process for UNISA students for 2019 means that if you are a first-time student starting your studies at Unisa, and your application for the 2019 NSFAS is approved, then NSFAS will pay your 2019 student fees to study at Unisa.
Please note:
- If you are an existing student already receiving a NSFAS loan, then your NSFAS loan will be changed into a grant (bursary). This grant (bursary) does not need to be paid back to NSFAS.
- If you are an existing student who does not receive a NSFAS grant/loan, then unfortunately you need to pay for your own student fees.
The Extended NSFAS Grant increase
- The starting level to qualify for NSFAS financial support, has been increased from R122 000 – R350 000.
- Then Extended NSFAS Grant funding is for returning students who have a combined annual income of less than R350 000. The extended funding be implemented over the next 5 years.
Combined annual household income – what does it mean?
- It means the total yearly income a student and his/her direct family (father, mother, spouse or legal guardian) earns in the form of salaries, wages, pensions, grants, or any other sources of financial income, including business or rental income.
- The total combined/joined yearly household financial income may NOT exceed R350 000 per year (financial income before any deductions have been made).
Who can apply for an Extended NSFAS Grant?
- A student that is registered for an undergraduate qualification at Unisa for the first time.
- A student who has never before registered before for any academic qualification(s) at any other higher education establishment.
- A student who is a South African citizen. Need to have a valid South African ID.
- A student whose combined annual household income does not exceed the total of R350 000 per year.
Who can apply for the extended NSFAS grant?
- A student with a total of more than R350 000 combined annual household income per year.
- A student who already has applied for and qualified for NSFAS funding for the 2018 academic year.
- A student who previously has registered for any academic qualification at any other higher education establishment. Including all re-registering Unisa students.
- A foreign student, meaning a student without a (valid) South African ID.
- Please note: You will be provided with an option to apply for the extended NSFAS grant for the Unisa 2019 students.
- Unisa will provide the details of the students who have been temporarily confirmed to NSFAS.
How do I apply?
- A student may apply for the 2019 extended NSFAS grant for Unisa students, as part of Unisa’s registration process.
- Please note: Students can only apply for the extended NSFAS grand during Unisa’s normal registration periods.
- NO late and / or incomplete applications will be considered.
- Click here for our guide on How to Apply for NSFAS grant.
When can I apply for the 2019 extended NSFAS grant?
You can apply now for the 2019 extended NSFAS grant.
When will I know the results of my application?
- By Mid-February Unisa will provide students registered for semester 1 modules, with their original result of their application for the 2019 extended NSFAS grant, and
- By Mid-April for students registered for registered for year modules.
- Your registration for the 2019 extended NSFAS grant will be finalised once your application is successful.
- However, you will need to pay your student fees yourself when your application is unsuccessful.
- In order for your registration to be finalised, you need to pay the minimum amount that is stated on your account.
Written by: Tabitha Bailey
Last updated: September 7, 2018
