On this page, we find out exactly how much do UNISA students get from NSFAS per month, as compared to other universities.
As you already know, UNISA is a distance university where learners do not necessarily need to travel to class every day or stay on campus. They study from home, they use online platforms, and they manage their own schedules. That alone makes NSFAS treat them differently. Other universities such as UJ, UKZN or Wits will require more financial support because students attend physical lectures, live in student residences, and spend money on transport and food every month.
So in general, NSFAS pays less for UNISA students than other universities because of the following:
- They do not stay in NSFAS-paid accommodation
- They do not need monthly travel money
- They do not qualify for food allowances
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How much do UNISA students get from NSFAS per month
Based on the 2025 data from NSFAS, UNISA students get only one monthly allowance, and a once-off yearly allowance.
Here is the full breakdown:
- Learning Material Allowance: R660 per module
(Capped at R5,678 per year – this is paid once a year, not monthly) - Personal Care Allowance: R3,167 per year
(This is the only monthly payment – you get R263.92 per month)
So no matter how many modules you register, the maximum you will get for books is R5,678 per year. And then each month, NSFAS will only pay you R263.92 for personal care.
That is all UNISA students get.
Compared to other universities
Now here is where it gets frustrating.
Students at other universities can get the following every month:
- Living allowance: R1,430 per month
- Transport allowance: R682 per month
- Accommodation: over R5,000 per month
- Personal care: R263 per month (same as UNISA)
Which means some of them get over R7,000 per month, while UNISA students only get R263.92 per month, with that once-off R5,678 for books.
So yes, UNISA students get paid far less. And that is how NSFAS has always handled distance learning.
FAQs
How much does NSFAS pay UNISA students per month?
UNISA students only get R263.92 per month for personal care. That is the only monthly allowance they receive. No rent, no food, no transport.
Do UNISA students get a book allowance?
Yes, NSFAS gives UNISA students R660 per module, but it is capped at R5,678 per year. So even if you take more modules, the maximum is still R5,678.
Do UNISA students qualify for accommodation or transport money?
No, they do not. NSFAS only pays for accommodation, food, and travel to students who attend contact universities. UNISA students study from home, so those costs are not covered.
Is the NSFAS payment structure the same every year?
It changes slightly each year, but the structure is always the same. UNISA students get less because of the nature of distance learning. There is always a cap.
Why do UNISA students get paid less than others?
Because NSFAS looks at your living situation. UNISA students are at home, so they do not need food, rent, or travel money. That is why they only get the personal care allowance.
When does NSFAS pay UNISA students?
The learning material allowance (up to R5,678) is paid once-off, usually early in the year. The R263.92 monthly personal care allowance is paid every month as long as your funding is active.
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