UNISA Bursary 2026 – Explore the Process & Deadline

The University of South Africa (UNISA) Bursary is a vital financial aid initiative that makes higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds 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 providing financial support, UNISA ensures that talented and deserving students, regardless of socioeconomic background, can pursue their academic goals. 

UNISA bursaries for students offer a range of bursaries for undergraduates and postgraduates across a wide range of programmes offered at the university. Available in the arts & humanities, science, commerce, or law, these awards are gateways to numerous professions. 

UNISA bursaries are unique in that they are designed to meet the needs of students who cannot afford full-time study, such as those with 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 2026 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, in some cases, additional living expenses, 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 occurring across South Africa, the university switched to an open-distance learning model, enabling it to use technology to reach more students than ever before.

The bursaries are a valuable programme for disadvantaged students who need them to support 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 the 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 2026
• Candidates must be temporarily registered; registration will 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 2026 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 2026, 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, applicants must complete the online application form, which requires personal information, academic history, and detailed financial information. Applicants must also upload supporting documents, such as proof of identity and education certificates.

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,  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 on the condition that they maintain a minimum average of 60%.
• Also, appeals, along with your motivation letter, can be submitted between April 1 and 7 April 2026. Appeals must be submitted via email to the Postgraduate Bursaries Administration at CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za.
• The 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 fails to comply with 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 2026 – appeals must be submitted via email to the Postgraduate Bursaries Administration at: CGS-pgb@unisa.ac.za.
• Applicants must also know that appeals will not be considered if insufficient funds are available or if the applicant has been a bursary beneficiary for the full duration of the bursary.
• Most importantly, applicants should know that the bursary will be cancelled if the recipient does not comply with the bursary conditions or terminates their studies.

What is the UNISA Bursary Monthly Allowance?

The monthly allowance provided by the UNISA Bursary varies based on the recipient’s specific needs and circumstances. This allowance can cover living expenses, including 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, failures, 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 per year for the first 3 consecutive years of study..
• 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 tuition fees and research essentials, capped at R80 000, for 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

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Conclusion

The UNISA Bursary is an essential support for students facing financial barriers to higher education. By covering 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 be considered for this opportunity.

Individuals who meet the following requirements can apply for UNISA bursaries. Candidates should also attach the motivational letter to the bursary application. Before attaching it, they can read the guide on writing a motivational letter for their bursary application. For more information related to bursaries, how to apply, and different education opportunities, visit Regenesys Education‘s Reginsights page now!

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