The University of South Africa (UNISA) Bursary is a vital financial aid initiative designed to make higher education accessible to diverse students across South Africa. As Africa’s leading open-distance e-learning institution, UNISA has a long-standing commitment to breaking down barriers to education, and its bursary programme is a cornerstone of this mission. By offering financial support, UNISA ensures that talented and deserving students, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. Students who are planning to pursue their higher education can also learn more about higher certification bursaries in detail.
The UNISA Bursary offers many bursaries for undergraduates and postgraduates, representing a wide range of programmes offered at the university. Available in arts & humanities, science disciplines, commerce or law areas, these awards are gateways to numerous professions. UNISA bursaries are unique because they are designed to ensure that they meet the needs of students who cannot afford full-time study, such as those who have families to look after. In this article, you can learn about the UNISA bursary, its requirements, what are the monthly allowance & its closing date.
What is the UNISA Bursary?
The UNISA Bursary 2024 is a financial support programme offered by the University of South Africa (UNISA) to assist students who demonstrate academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue their studies. This bursary aims to make higher education more accessible by covering tuition fees, textbooks, and sometimes additional living expenses, thereby enabling students to achieve their educational goals.
UNISA’s mission to provide inclusive education gained significant momentum during the 1990s as South Africa shifted towards democracy. Mindful of the changes happening around South Africa, the university switched to an open-distance learning model that enabled it to use technology to reach a greater number of students than ever before. The bursaries are a very helpful programme for disadvantaged students who desperately need them for their personal development through education.
Eligibility Requirements for UNISA Bursary
Applicants must meet specific criteria based on different study programmes to be eligible for the UNISA Bursary. Each programme has a set of requirements, & based on these, your bursary application can be accepted.
In the case of Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Bursary:
- The candidate must be a South African citizen.
- The candidate must have completed an undergraduate NQF level 7 qualification (degree or advanced diploma) at UNISA by 31 January 2024.
- Candidates must be temporarily registered for registration to be activated once their application is successful.
- The candidate must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% for their entire undergraduate qualification.
- Candidates must be South African Postgraduate Diploma or Honours students in their 2nd year of study and must have passed at least 3 postgraduate modules in the same Postgraduate qualification.
- Candidates must not be Graduate School of Business Leadership students registered for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management or a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
- Candidate must not be registered for special study programmes, including certificates (PGCE) and non-degree purpose programmes
- The candidate must not already hold a postgraduate degree at the same or a higher NQF level of their applied education bursary
- Candidate must not be a permanent staff member at UNISA
In the case of Master’s and Doctoral bursary
- Candidate must be a South African citizen or an international student. However, preference will be given to South African students (in an 80/20 ratio)
- Students must be temporarily registered for registration to be activated once their application is successful.
- Master’s and Doctoral research students: must have completed their Research Proposal module by no later than 31 January 2024 and must have a completed supervisor’s report that recommends financial support based on academic performance
- Candidate must have passed all modules by no later than 31 January 2024, must be doing research, and have a completed supervisor’s report that recommends financial support based on academic performance in the coursework modules completed
- Applicant must not be a 1st year Master’s or Doctoral student
- Candidate, you must not be registered for Masters of Business Administration and Masters of business Leadership
- Candidate must not be registered for special study programmes, including certificates (e.g., PGCE) and non-degree purpose programmes
- Students must NOT hold a postgraduate degree at the same or a higher NQF level to the qualification registered for
- Students must not be permanent staff members at the Unisa
How to Apply Online for UNISA Bursary?
The UNISA bursary application process is conducted online through the UNISA student portal. First, the applicants must fill out the online application form, which requires personal information, academic history, and detailed financial information. Applicants must also upload supporting documents, such as personal identification proof, education certificates, etc.
Applicants must also note the following things about the bursaries:
For UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honours bursary
- Potential Applicants should read the UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Bursary Guidelines T&Cs before applying.
- Note that the bursary will not provide cover for any failed modules from your Postgraduate Diploma or Honours degree.
- The following bursaries will be awarded, subject to the availability of funds, and will be awarded to students from the highest to the lowest performing.
- And the bursaries will be awarded for 2 consecutive years of study only – recipients must reapply for the second year of funding, which will be granted based on the student maintaining a minimum average of 60%.
- Also, appeals can be submitted, along with your motivation, between April 1 and 7 April 2024. Appeals must be submitted via email to the Postgraduate Bursaries Administration at CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za.
- Following appeals will not be considered if there are insufficient funds available or the applicant has been a bursary beneficiary for the full years of the bursary.
- Lastly, the bursary award will be cancelled if the recipient does not abide by the bursary conditions or terminates their studies.
For Master’s and Doctoral bursary
- The Applicants should read the UNISA Master’s and Doctoral Bursary Guidelines T&Cs before applying.
- The following bursary will be awarded subject to the submission of a satisfactory academic progress report from your supervisor(s) (Section C of the application form).
- Note that the bursaries will be awarded for the first 2, 3, or 4 consecutive years of study. Recipients must reapply for funding each year, which will be granted based on the student’s satisfactory academic progress.
- Applicants must know that the bursaries will be awarded subject to the availability of funds.
- The following appeals can be submitted, along with your motivation and supported or signed by the supervisor, between May 1 and 7 May 2024 – appeals must be submitted via email to the Postgraduate Bursaries Administration at: CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za.
- The applicants must also know that the appeals will not be considered if there is insufficient funds available or if the applicant has been a bursary beneficiary for the full years of the bursary.
- Most importantly, applicants should know that the bursary award will be cancelled if the recipient does not abide by the bursary conditions or terminates their studies.
What is the UNISA Bursary Monthly Allowance?
The monthly allowance the UNISA Bursary provides varies depending on the recipient’s specific needs and circumstances. This allowance can cover living expenses such as accommodation, meals, and transportation. The exact amount is determined based on the financial assessment conducted during the application process.
The UNISA bursary has different criteria for the postgraduate diploma and honours bursary. The bursary will cover tuition fees only for the first two consecutive years of education. It will not cover any outstanding debt or failure, repeated modules, or any other form of debt.
For the Master’s and Doctoral Bursaries, you can get the following cover, such as the first 2,3 or 4 years of consecutive study:
- The Master’s degree in research and experimental research for this programme includes tuition fees and research essentials, capped at R55 000 over the first 3 consecutive years of study towards the qualification.
- For the Master’s degree by modules, applicants gettuition fees and research essentials, capped at R25 000 over the first 2 consecutive years of study towards the qualification.
- The applicant for the doctoral degree by research here will receive the tuition fees and research essentials, capped at R80 000 over the first four consecutive years of study towards the qualification.
- Lastly, the Doctoral degree in experimental research includes tuition fees and research essentials, which are capped at R120 000 over the first four consecutive years of study towards the qualification.
When is the UNISA Bursary Closing Date?
The closing date for UNISA bursary applications typically aligns with the university’s academic calendar. While the specific date can vary each year. Applicants must check the UNISA website or contact the financial aid office for the exact closing date to ensure timely submission.
For any queries, you can connect with the bursary provider via your UNISA myLife email account or CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za
Conclusion
The UNISA Bursary is an essential support system for students who face financial barriers to higher education. By providing coverage for tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses, the bursary enables students to focus on their academic achievements without the added stress of financial constraints. Prospective applicants must meet eligibility requirements and adhere to application deadlines to benefit from this valuable opportunity. Any individual with the following requirements can access the UNISA bursaries. Candidates should also attach the motivational letter with the bursary application, but before attaching, candidates can read about how to write motivational letters for their bursary application.
About to take your first step towards bursary application? Regenesys is here to provide you with the course quotation to assist you in beginning your journey for the bursary. Besides, our career counsellor will offer you guidance to help you navigate the bursary application process. Connect With Us Now!
Frequently Asked Questions – UNISA Bursary 2024:Explore the Process & Deadline
1) What expenses does the UNISA Bursary cover?
The UNISA bursary typically covers tuition fees and textbooks and may include a monthly allowance for living expenses such as accommodation and meals, depending on the candidate’s bursary application.
2) Who is eligible to apply for the UNISA Bursary?
The bursary is available for South African citizens who demonstrate strong academic potential and financial need and intend to enrol in an accredited university in South Africa.
3) How can I apply for the UNISA Bursary?
Applications can be submitted online through the UNISA student portal. Applicants must complete a form and upload the necessary supporting documents.
4) What if I receive another bursary?
If you have another bursary, then you must disclose all financial aid. UNISA may adjust your bursary amount to avoid over-awarding.
5) How will I know if my application is successful?
UNISA will notify you via your student email or the portal. Make sure to check these regularly.
