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. Students also receive several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
The scheme has already disbursed billions of rands in upfront payments to higher education institutions, covering tuition, registration, and book allowances. However, NSFAS funding extends throughout the academic year, ensuring students receive monthly allowances for living expenses. These are referred to as NSFAS allowances.
Institutional Requirements for NSFAS Payments
NSFAS will only release funding for students with valid registration data. Institutions must submit this data before the monthly exclusion cut-off dates to prevent payment delays. Additionally, institutions can provide updates regarding cancellations, blocks, and other funding instructions.
NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates for 2025
| Instalment Number | Exclusion Cut-off Date | Payment Date | Academic Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 Jan 2025 | Upfront | Accommodation, Books & Tuition |
| 2 | 05 Mar 2025 | Upfront | Accommodation, Books & Tuition |
| 3 | 14 Mar 2025 | 31 Mar 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 4 | 16 Apr 2025 | 30 Apr 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 5 | 15 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 6 | 13 Jun 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 7 | 15 Jul 2025 | 31 Jul 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 8 | 15 Aug 2025 | 29 Aug 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 9 | 15 Sep 2025 | 30 Sep 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 10 | 15 Oct 2025 | 31 Oct 2025 | Annual and Semester |
| 11 | 14 Nov 2025 | 28 Nov 2025 | Annual and Semester |
