The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced the approved allowance amounts for 2025. These allowances determine the financial support students will receive for their educational expenses.
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.
Increase in NSFAS Allowances
Last month, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane confirmed a 4% increase in NSFAS allowances for 2025 for university students. She also announced that TVET College NSFAS allowances will receive a 46% increase, from R10 000 to R14 600.
However, the Minister did not disclose the exact amounts students would receive. NSFAS has now released the approved figures, which are disbursed in ten instalments throughout the academic year.
Institutions requiring deviations from the NSFAS allowance caps must obtain written approval from the bursary scheme before issuing payments above the set limits.
2025 NSFAS Allowances For University Students
|
Category |
New Books |
Accommodation |
Living Allowance |
Travel Allowance |
Personal Care Allowance |
Human Support |
Assistive Device |
|
UNI Catered - Disability Metro |
R6,240 |
R69,633 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
R52,000 |
R54,080 |
|
UNI Catered - Disability Non-Metro |
R6,240 |
R60,273 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
R52,000 |
R54,080 |
|
UNI Catered - Metro |
R5,678 |
R65,993 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
- |
|
UNI Catered - Non-Metro |
R5,678 |
R56,633 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
- |
|
UNI Non-Catered - Disability Metro |
R6,240 |
R52,000 |
R20,800 |
- |
- |
R52,000 |
R54,080 |
|
UNI Non-Catered - Disability Non-Metro |
R6,240 |
R42,640 |
R20,800 |
- |
- |
R52,000 |
R54,080 |
|
UNI Non-Catered - Metro |
R5,678 |
R52,000 |
R17,160 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
UNI Non-Catered - Non-Metro |
R5,678 |
R42,640 |
R17,160 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
UNI Disability Transport |
R6,240 |
- |
R20,800 |
R8,190 |
- |
R52,000 |
R54,080 |
|
UNI Transport |
R5,678 |
- |
R17,160 |
R8,190 |
- |
- |
- |
2025 NSFAS Allowances For TVET College Students
|
Allowance Type |
Accommodation |
Living Allowance |
Travel Allowance |
Personal Care Allowance |
Human Support |
Assistive Device |
|
TVET Catered - Disability Metro |
R69,633 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
R54,080 |
|
TVET Catered - Disability Non-Metro |
R60,273 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
R54,080 |
|
TVET Catered - Metro |
R65,993 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
- |
|
TVET Catered - Non-Metro |
R56,633 |
- |
- |
R3,167 |
- |
- |
|
TVET Disability Transport |
- |
R20,800* |
R8,027 |
- |
- |
R54,080 |
|
TVET Non-Catered - Disability Metro |
R52,000 |
R20,800* |
- |
- |
- |
R54,080 |
|
TVET Non-Catered - Disability Non-Metro |
R42,640 |
R20,800* |
- |
- |
- |
R54,080 |
|
TVET Non-Catered - Metro |
R52,000 |
R17,160* |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
TVET Non-Catered - Non-Metro |
R42,640 |
R17,160* |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
TVET Transport |
- |
R17,160* |
R8,027 |
- |
- |
- |
Breakdown of NSFAS Allowances
Accommodation Allowance
The accommodation allowance helps students secure housing near their institutions. The amount varies based on location, with students in metropolitan areas receiving higher allowances due to the increased cost of living.
The type of residence also affects other allowances:
- Students in catered residences do not receive a living allowance, as their meals are provided.
- Students in non-catered residences receive a living allowance to cover food and other essentials.
- Students in catered residences receive a personal care allowance instead of a living allowance.
Transport and Disability Support
Students who do not reside in university or private accommodation receive a transport allowance. Additionally, students with disabilities receive extra financial support for assistive devices and human assistance.
NSFAS funding plays a crucial role in ensuring students can focus on their studies without financial strain, and the newly confirmed allowances provide clarity on the support available in 2025.
