The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries and student loans to eligible students, covering tuition, registration fees, and various allowances. This government-funded support applies to most courses at South Africa’s 26 universities and 50 TVET colleges.
NSFAS distributes allowances in 10 payments throughout the academic year, which typically runs from February to November. As a result, students receive payments only during this period.
In February, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced an increase in NSFAS allowances for 2025.
NSFAS Allowance Increases for March 2025
While NSFAS has not confirmed the exact amounts students will receive in March 2025, the minister has stated that allowances will increase compared to the previous year.
University students will see a 4% rise in NSFAS allowances, while TVET college students will receive an increase from R10,000 to R14,600 per year—representing a 46% boost.
Breakdown of NSFAS Allowances for 2025
NSFAS bursary recipients at universities and TVET colleges qualify for various allowances, including:
-
Learning materials
-
Living expenses (for students in non-catered residences)
-
Accommodation
-
Transport (for non-resident students)
Distance Learning Students
-
University students studying less than 60% of their module credits per year qualify only for a learning material allowance.
-
TVET college students receive only a personal care allowance.
NSFAS Loan Recipients
Students with NSFAS loans will receive allowances for accommodation and learning materials but will not be covered for transport costs.
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in March 2025
NSFAS has confirmed that in 2025, TVET college students will continue receiving their allowances directly into their personal bank accounts. Students are advised to update their banking details via the myNSFAS portal.
Universities will continue to handle allowance payments directly until NSFAS announces any changes. Since universities have different payment methods, students should consult their financial aid offices to ensure they follow the correct procedures to secure their allowances.
