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. 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.
NSFAS Allowance Increases for April 2025
Universities
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.
TVET Colleges
Accommodation Allowance
This allowance is paid monthly for 10 months. Students who do not qualify for accommodation support will receive a transport allowance instead.
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Catered residence (Metro): R6,599
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Catered residence (Non-metro): R5,663
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Non-catered residence (Metro): R5,200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4,264
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Students with disabilities (Catered residence, Metro): R6,963
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Students with disabilities (Catered residence, Non-metro): R6,027
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered residence, Metro): R5,200
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered residence, Non-metro): R4,264
Living Allowance
This allowance is paid monthly for 10 months. It applies only to specific student categories.
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Students with disabilities (Catered residence, Metro): R1,716
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Students in a Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1,716
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered residence, Metro): R2,080
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered residence, Non-metro): R2,080
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R1,716
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2,080
Travel Allowance
Students receiving transport support, including those with disabilities, will receive R802 per month for 10 months.
Personal Care Allowance
Students living in catered residences will receive a personal care allowance of R316 per month for 10 months.
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in April 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.
