Financially disadvantaged students to benefit from Unisa’s Council Bursary
Close to R50 million was made available to assist deserving students, who would not have been able to further their studies at Unisa because of a lack of funds.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) Council Bursary is making education possible for needy students and improving throughput rates.
Unisa’s spokesperson Martin Ramotshela said half of the money was specifically earmarked for bursaries for undergraduate students.
“Close to R50 million was made available to assist deserving students, who would not have been able to further their studies at Unisa because of a lack of money. The rest of the money, or approximately R49.5 million, went towards incentives for both undergraduate and masters and doctoral students who have completed their qualifications within the minimum prescribed period of time, by refunding 30% of their study fees,” he said.
Ramotshela said it is a win-win situation: diligent students completing their studies within the required time will, in turn, contribute to an improved throughput rate for the university.
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“To date, close to R46 million of the bursary part of the money has been utilised to assist 6 346 students with study bursaries,” he added.
Almost 90% was awarded to African students of whom 73% are female.
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The college of education was awarded 44%, the college of human sciences 17% and the college of law was awarded 16%.
More than 50% of the beneficiaries are from Gauteng of whom 35 disabled students were also awarded.
Students between the ages of 18 to 27 received 61%, 28 to 37 (28%), 28 to 47 (10%) and 48 to 57 (1%).
More than 60% of the beneficiaries are between the ages of 18 and 27.
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