University of South Africa (UNISA) 2024 Fee Adjustment Grant

In November 2024, the Minister of Higher Education and Training announced that Government would subsidise the fee adjustment for all qualifying registered students with a combined family income of up to R600 000 per annum in 2024.
If approved, this subsidy will be in the form of a grant (not a loan), which will reflect on the student’s fee account. The fee adjustment (missing middle) grant will cover the difference between Unisa’s 2024 and 2024 student fees.

What is a combined family income?

This is the total income earned by the student and his or her direct family (mother, father, spouse or legal guardian) in the form of wages, salaries, grants, pensions or other sources of income, including rental or business income.
The gross combined family income (income before deductions) may not exceed R600 000 per annum.

Who should apply?

You may apply for the 2024 fee adjustment grant if

you are a Unisa student currently registered for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (formal qualification).
you are a South African citizen.
your combined family income does not exceed R600 000 per annum.
you will receive only a partial bursary / scholarship for the 2024 academic year that does not cover the full cost of your study (provided that your combined family income does not exceed R600 000).

Who should not apply?

Students with a combined family income of more than R600 000 per annum.
Students who have already applied for and qualify for NSFAS funding for the 2024 academic year. Qualifying NSFAS applicants will automatically be considered for the 2024 fee adjustment grant.
Students who completed Grade 12 in 2024 at Quintile 1, 2 or 3 schools. These students will automatically be considered for the 2024 fee adjustment grant and do not need to submit an application.
Students who will receive a full cost bursary or scholarship for the 2024 academic year.
Foreign students (any student without a South African ID).

When can I apply?

Unisa will accept fee adjustment (missing middle) grant applications for semester 2 of the 2024 academic year from 1 to 8 August 2024.

How do I apply?

It’s a simple process, involving two steps:

Download the declaration and credit check consent form (PDF). Complete and sign the form, and then submit it as part of the online application process (step 2). By submitting this form, you give Unisa and its designated service providers permission to verify the information you submit as part of your application.
Complete and submit the online application form. Remember to include your completed declaration and credit check consent form.

Please note that incomplete and / or late applications will NOT be considered.

When will I know the outcome of my application?

Unisa will inform you of the outcome of your application by no later than the end of September 2024.

If your application is successful, your Unisa student fee account will be adjusted with the relevant amount.
If your application is unsuccessful and you believe that there has been an administrative error in the processing of your application, you may appeal the outcome of your application. Details of the appeals process will be made available at a later stage.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions related to the 2024 fee adjustment (missing middle) grant, click here for some frequently asked questions. You may find the answers to your questions.