The University of South Africa (Unisa) makes use of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) which allows students to pursue their degrees, diplomas and certificates by using online resources and study materials provided by Unisa themself. However, some courses offered at Unisa do require students to attend workshops and tutorials which take place outside their homes. NSFAS provides funding at Unisa. The allocation of the NSFAS allowances to students is different as the teaching Unisa provides is different to that of other universities.
There are currently 151 317 NSFAS-funded students at Unisa.
NSFAS funded students at Unisa qualify for a learning materials allowance of R5200 per year. This is to be used for textbooks and other learning materials needed to complete their studies.
Unisa students who are registered for ten modules or more are also allocated an incidental allowance of R290 per month from February to November each year. This R290 is used for any small expenses that arise for these students.
Those students who are eligible and meet the requirements such as the 60-credit requirement at Unisa, will also receive laptops to use for their online studies.
In the past students have protested for the inclusion of Unisa in all of the allowances other NSFAS-funded universities receive, however the former NSFAS Administrator, Dr Randall Carolissen has made it clear that Unisa students are only eligible to receive the funding listed above.
