The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled in accredited programmes at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa.
Approximately one million students currently pursuing studies at South Africa's public tertiary institutions benefit from NSFAS funding. This financial support covers tuition, registration fees, and monthly allowances for accommodation, food, transport, and learning materials.
NSFAS Allowances
University Students
- Living allowance: R16,500 annually (R3,045 for personal care + R13,455 for meals)
- Learning material allowance: Up to R5,460
TVET College Students
- Living allowance: R10,000 annually
- Learning material allowance: Varies by course
Students with disabilities receive enhanced living allowances and learning material allowances, subject to specific criteria.
Monthly NSFAS Allowances for August
NSFAS meal and personal care allowances are disbursed in ten instalments. Consequently, students will receive the following in August:
- Meal allowance: R1,345
- Personal care allowance: Approximately R300 (for students in catered accommodation)
Transportation Allowance
Students residing at least 10 kilometres from campus qualify for a R7,718 annual transportation allowance, equivalent to a monthly stipend of up to R771. This allowance is typically paid directly to the student, unless the institution arranges transport.
August Allowance Payments
In April 2024, NSFAS delegated the responsibility of paying student allowances to universities until the end of July 2024. However, the government bursary scheme subsequently announced that universities would continue this role for the entire year.
Following discussions between Universities South Africa (USAF) and NSFAS Administrator Mr F Nomvalo, it was decided that universities will maintain the distribution of student allowances throughout the 2024 academic year. NSFAS will provide universities with the necessary funds for these payments.
