NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This funding covers tuition and registration fees and several allowances are paid to students for food, accommodation, and learning materials
NSFAS has confirmed the specific allowance amounts for university students in March 2025.
Learning Materials Allowance:
- A once-off payment at the start of the year: R5,678 for most students.
- Students with disabilities receive R6,240.
Accommodation Allowance (Monthly):
- Catered residence (Metro): R6,599.
- Catered residence (Non-metro): R5,663.
- Non-catered residence (Metro): R5,200.
- Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4,264.
- Increased amounts for students with disabilities.
Living Allowance (Monthly, Specific Categories):
- Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1,716.
- Students with disabilities: R2,080.
- Students receiving a transport allowance: R1,716, or R2,080 for those with disabilities.
Travel Allowance (Monthly):
- R819 for all eligible students.
Personal Care Allowance (Monthly, Catered Residences):
- Approximately R316.
NSFAS Loans:
- Recipients receive accommodation and learning materials allowances only.
Payment Distribution Changes
NSFAS has altered its payment procedures. "Allowances of students will be paid based on an approved NSFAS payment channel," it was stated.
Originally, direct payments to student bank accounts were planned, but NSFAS has however been unable to put this in place due to an ongoing court case.
Consequently, Universities will continue to pay allowances to students directly in 2025, until NSFAS announces a change in the payment strategy.
