UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursaries 2025. The University of South Africa (UNISA), a leading institution in distance learning, has served as a vital pillar in South African education for over a century. Established in 1873 and initially known as the University of the Cape of Good Hope, it was later renamed in 1916 as the University of South Africa and relocated to Pretoria.
In 1946, UNISA pioneered as one of the first institutions globally to adopt distance education, making it accessible to students across South Africa and beyond. Today, UNISA is recognized as a Comprehensive, Open, Distance, and e-Learning (CODeL) university, with a student body exceeding 370,000 from over 109 countries, making it the largest university in South Africa and one of the world’s “mega-universities.”
What the UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursary 2025 Covers
The UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursary 2025 is dedicated to alleviating tuition fees for eligible students. The bursary supports both Postgraduate Diploma and Honors students based on their academic performance, funds availability, and specific eligibility criteria. Here’s an overview of what the bursary includes and excludes:
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Included (for both years if re-application is approved) |
| Historic Debt | Not Covered |
| Textbooks, Laptop, Accommodation, or Study Materials | Not Covered |
| Failed or Repeated Modules | Not Covered |
| Other NQF Level 8 Qualifications Not Previously Funded | Not Covered |
The bursary prioritizes students with high academic performance, allocating funds to those with the highest average scores across their Postgraduate Diploma or Honors modules. This merit-based approach is contingent upon the availability of funds and considers overall academic excellence, including all module outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria for UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursary 2025
The eligibility criteria for this bursary vary slightly between new and returning applicants. Below is a breakdown to help you determine if you qualify:
- New Bursary Applicants
Students applying for the bursary for the first time must meet the following criteria:- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be a UNISA NQF Level 7 Undergraduate Alumni, having completed their Degree or Advanced Diploma by 31 January 2024 with an average score of 60% or higher across the entire qualification.
- Must be enrolled in a UNISA NQF Level 8 Honors or Postgraduate Diploma program and be in the second year of their studies, having passed a minimum of three postgraduate modules with a 60% average score.
- Returning Honors/Postgraduate Diploma Students
Those who previously received funding and are reapplying must meet the following criteria:- Must have completed the previously funded modules with a minimum average score of 50%.
- Reapplication must be for the same qualification as previously funded.
- Ineligible Applicants
The following students are ineligible for the bursary:- Permanent UNISA staff members.
- Students in non-degree purpose programs or special study programs such as the PGCE.
- Students without a UNISA NQF Level 7 qualification.
- Students who have already completed a postgraduate degree at the same or higher NQF level.
- Students enrolled in the Graduate School of Business Leadership’s PG Diploma in Project Management or PG Diploma in Business Management.
How to Apply for the UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursary 2025
The application process for the bursary is streamlined through UNISA’s online portal, myUnisa. To apply, follow these steps:
- Access myUnisa Portal
Log in to the UNISA portal and navigate to the bursary application section to start your application. - Submit Required Documentation
Ensure you have all required documents ready, including proof of your academic qualifications and evidence of your citizenship. - Read and Acknowledge Terms
It’s essential to review the 2025 UNISA PG Diploma and Honors Bursary Guidelines, which detail the terms for de-registration, cancellations, claims, and refunds. - Temporary Registration by January 31, 2024
Register all modules you intend to study by January 31, 2024, as provisional enrollment is required to activate the bursary if your application is successful. - Notification and Contract
If accepted, UNISA will send a bursary contract to your myLife email account. Follow the email instructions to sign and return the contract by the stipulated deadline.
Important Notes:
- Applications via email, hard copy, or hand delivery will not be accepted.
- Use your registered myLife email account for all communication. Queries from personal email accounts will not be entertained, adhering to the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act.
Appeal Process for Rejected Applications
In the event of a rejected application, students have the opportunity to appeal between April 1 and April 7, 2024. Appeals should include a written motivation and any relevant evidence to substantiate your case, and they must be sent to [email protected].
Appeals Are Not Accepted If:
- You lack the required funds to support the bursary.
- You have already been funded for the complete bursary duration.
- You possess adequate alternative funding (no “double-dipping”).
- The rejection is due to unsatisfactory academic performance.
- You do not meet the bursary’s terms and conditions.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 31 January 2024 |
| Appeal Submission Window | 1 April – 7 April 2024 |
Contact Information for Bursary Queries
For any inquiries related to the UNISA Postgraduate Diploma and Honors Bursary 2025 applications, students may contact the bursary office via their myLife email. Queries from non-UNISA email accounts will not be accepted.
- Email for Bursary Inquiries: [email protected]
- For myUnisa Technical Assistance: [email protected]
- For myLife Email Assistance: [email protected]
Forgot your UNISA password?
To reset your password, visit the following link: Forgot UNISA Password
Additional Resources and Updates
Stay updated on UNISA bursaries and other funding opportunities by following relevant social media accounts:
- Facebook: UNISA Official Page
- Twitter: @AllBursariesSA
For further inquiries or comments, UNISA provides a helpful FAQ section on their website, along with a directory of open bursary opportunities throughout the year.
