The University of South Africa (UNISA), South Africa’s largest open distance learning institution, has issued a crucial update concerning the provision of monthly mobile data for students, a service many rely on to access study materials, submit assignments, attend virtual classes, and participate in academic activities.
Key statement from UNISA:
Please note that the University will not be able to provision monthly data, at least, for the months of August2025 and September 2025. Due to budget constraints, the negotiation to reconfigure the service costs with the University’s budget were protracted. The negotiations are finalised; however, the internal governance process is still in progress. The service will be primarily provided for NSFAS funded students.
What this means for students
This announcement confirms that non-NSFAS funded students will not receive data support for two consecutive months. The use of the phrase will not be able to provision monthly data signals a significant and immediate impact on students particularly those in rural areas or low-income households who depend entirely on subsidised data to engage with their academic work. Moreover, the university’s use of the language at least, for the months of August 2025 and September 2025 suggests the suspension may extend beyond September, creating uncertainty about whether regular data provision will resume at all during the current academic year.
Budget constraints and governance delays
According to UNISA, the interruption is due to: Budget constraints, suggesting financial pressures on the university that limit its ability to fund student data access. Protracted negotiations, which implies extended delays in reaching agreements with service providers to reduce or restructure costs. Ongoing internal governance processes, hinting at institutional red tape and delayed decision-making even after external negotiations concluded. This sequence of delays leaves students caught in the middle, without immediate relief or clear alternatives being provided.
Who will still receive data?
UNISA clarified that the data provision will now focus primarily on NSFAS-funded students. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) supports financially needy students, and this prioritisation suggests a shift in the university’s strategy focusing limited resources only where government subsidies or financial aid schemes exist to supplement the costs.
This means NSFAS students may continue to receive data though this has not been guaranteed in absolute terms. Self-funded, bursary-funded, or working students not under NSFAS will need to fund their own data access for at least two months, possibly more. The impact of this move is far-reaching, many students will struggle to access the myUNISA platform, learning content, or e-tutorials. Students taking online exams or assignments during this period may be disadvantaged unless they can afford alternative data access. There is growing concern that academic performance and access equity may decline, especially in underprivileged communities.
Student bodies and unions have already started voicing concerns, calling on the university to provide interim data vouchers or emergency assistance, communicate exact timelines on when full data provision will resume, increase academic flexibility, such as extended assignment deadlines or offline learning support.
What students can do right now
If you are a UNISA student affected by this update:
1. Check if you are NSFAS-funded if so, data may still be provided to you.
2. Budget for personal data costs during August and September.
3. Reach out to your college or lecturers to inform them if this affects your ability to study or submit work.
5. Join student forums or SRC discussions to stay updated and push for institutional support.
UNISAs statement, though brief, contains significant implications for student wellbeing and academic continuity. The university’s reliance on phrases like budget constraints, internal governance process, and at least paints a picture of ongoing uncertainty and institutional challenges. As South Africa continues to battle issues of digital inequality and access to education, this data suspension raises serious questions about inclusivity and fairness in open distance learning. UNISA is urged to provide clear timelines, transparent communication, and student-focused solutions because without data, many students may be effectively disconnected from their education.
For updates, visit my.unisa.ac.za or follow official UNISA communication channels.
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