The question many students across South Africa are asking today is this: Do all universities and TVET colleges accept the Fundi App for textbooks?
As textbook costs continue to rise, the Fundi App has become a popular option for managing and funding study materials.
However, the reality is that not every higher education institution supports or accepts the Fundi App for textbook purchases. This post breaks down which institutions accept it, why some don’t, and what students should know before relying on Fundi for textbooks.
What Is the Fundi App Used For?
The Fundi App is a student financial services platform in South Africa. It allows students to manage and use funds for various academic needs. One of its key services is providing access to textbook loans and payments through a virtual Fundi card. Students can apply for textbook funding, and if approved, they can use the app to make purchases at registered bookstores that accept Fundi payments.
But while the app is useful, its acceptance depends entirely on the student’s institution and the agreements Fundi has with that school.
Which Universities Accept the Fundi App for Textbooks?
Not every university accepts the Fundi App for purchasing textbooks. Only some universities have signed agreements with Fundi to allow students to use the Fundi card or app at registered vendors.
Public Universities That Commonly Accept the Fundi App:
- University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Most UJ campuses accept the Fundi card at approved bookstores and online platforms.
- University of South Africa (UNISA) – UNISA students can use Fundi for textbooks, especially via certain vendors like Van Schaik.
- North-West University (NWU) – Known to have registered vendors linked to Fundi for book purchases.
- University of Pretoria (UP) – Fundi is accepted at partner bookstores listed by the university.
- University of the Free State (UFS) – Offers Fundi support for textbook funding via approved service providers.
These universities have established relationships with Fundi and their bookstores or book vendors accept Fundi payments.
Universities That May Not Accept the Fundi App for Textbooks
While many universities have embraced the Fundi App, not all institutions support its use for textbooks. Reasons vary. Some schools have not entered any agreement with Fundi. Others may accept Fundi for tuition and accommodation only—not textbooks.
Examples of universities that may not fully accept Fundi for textbook purchases include:
- University of Cape Town (UCT) – Limited acceptance for non-tuition expenses.
- Stellenbosch University – Fundi use may be restricted to accommodation or fees only.
- Rhodes University – May not support Fundi at its primary campus bookstore.
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Acceptance varies by campus and may exclude textbooks.
These universities might allow Fundi funding for other expenses but do not have arrangements for textbook vendors to accept Fundi cards or App payments.
Do All TVET Colleges Accept the Fundi App for Textbooks?
The situation at TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges is even more complex. While many TVET colleges accept Fundi for fees or allowances, not all accept it for textbooks.
TVET Colleges That Commonly Accept Fundi for Textbooks:
- False Bay TVET College – Has registered vendors that accept Fundi for books.
- Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) – Some campuses allow Fundi-based textbook purchases.
- Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC) – Known to have Fundi-approved vendors for textbooks.
- Sedibeng TVET College – Offers Fundi access for textbooks through partnered vendors.
At these colleges, the financial office works directly with Fundi to help students access learning materials using Fundi-approved suppliers.
TVET Colleges That Do Not Fully Accept the Fundi App for Textbooks
Some TVET colleges either:
- Do not support Fundi at all, or
- Only allow Fundi for fees and transport, but not textbooks.
This may be because:
- The institution has no registered textbook vendors working with Fundi.
- The Fundi textbook feature has not been enabled in the institution’s financial aid system.
- The college uses alternative systems or restricts Fundi use to NSFAS allowances only.
If a TVET college does not have an official partnership with Fundi for textbooks, the Fundi card or app will not work at their listed bookstores or vendors.
Why Do Some Universities and TVET Colleges Not Accept the Fundi App?
There are a few key reasons why an institution may choose not to accept Fundi for textbook purchases:
1. No Formal Agreement Between Fundi and the Institution
Fundi needs a signed partnership or vendor agreement with the school for students to use the app for textbooks. If no agreement exists, students cannot use Fundi for this purpose.
2. Limited or No Registered Book Vendors
Even if the institution allows Fundi, it must have approved bookstores that accept the Fundi card. If these bookstores are not registered with Fundi, students cannot make purchases.
3. Administrative or Policy Restrictions
Some universities and colleges may only approve Fundi for tuition, accommodation, or transport, not textbooks. The school’s financial policies determine what Fundi can or cannot be used for.
4. Delays or Lack of Communication Between Stakeholders
Sometimes the reason is purely administrative. The school might intend to support Fundi for textbooks but hasn’t finalized the process. As a result, students are left in limbo.
How to Confirm If Your Institution Accepts the Fundi App for Textbooks
Since Fundi acceptance varies, students should:
- Contact their school’s financial aid or bursary office to ask specifically about textbook funding through Fundi.
- Check the official Fundi website or app for a list of supported institutions and vendors.
- Visit the bookstore or online vendor and confirm if they accept the Fundi card or App for payment.
Conclusion
The answer is no, not all universities and TVET colleges accept the Fundi App for textbooks. While many higher institutions support Fundi for certain expenses, textbook funding is not guaranteed across all campuses. Only schools with approved Fundi partnerships and registered vendors can provide full textbook support through the app.
To avoid disappointment, students must always confirm with their institutions whether the Fundi App can be used for buying textbooks. Institutions that do not support it may offer alternative funding channels.