NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Allowances, intended for food, accommodation, and learning materials, are typically disbursed in ten monthly instalments from February to November.
Unisa Focuses on First Semester Payouts
The University of South Africa (Unisa) will distribute allowances for the first six months of 2025, with release dates tied to registration deadlines. Students receive Learning Material and Incidental Allowances, the latter for those registered for ten modules. Unisa requires students to upload and verify personal banking details, advising them to monitor submission status.
VUT Emphasises Accurate Banking Details
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will deposit book and meal allowances directly into student bank accounts. Both NSFAS-funded and privately sponsored students must update their banking details on the VUT ITS iEnabler platform. Payments are processed after registration and sponsor confirmation. VUT stresses the importance of accurate banking details and advises against using Tyme or Discovery banks due to security concerns.
CPUT Utilises Fundi Platform
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) will disburse allowances via the Fundi platform. Students were required to provide banking details on Fundi by 24 February 2025. Private accommodation recipients must ensure landlords register details on the portal. CPUT will initially pay allowances based on 2024 values, pending NSFAS confirmation of 2025 amounts.
UCT Awaits Second Semester Decision
The University of Cape Town (UCT) confirmed NSFAS approval for universities to distribute first-semester allowances. A decision on second-semester payments will be made later.
NMU Retains Current Allowance Amounts
Nelson Mandela University (NMU) acknowledged the Minister of Higher Education's allowance increase announcement but confirmed students will receive current amounts. "As soon as communication is received, & it necessitates correction of allowances already paid: the office shall immediately make the adjustment & make the outstanding allowances available for students to utilise," the university stated. NMU will implement increases only upon official NSFAS notification. Currently, students receive R1,650 for living expenses and R2,730 for books.
UFS Completes Interim Payments
The University of the Free State (UFS) has allocated funding to 25,551 students, with 22,246 registered. Interim allowances were disbursed to 14,303 students on 3 February 2025, and a second round to 7,943 students on 17 February 2025.
NWU Addresses Payment Delays
North-West University (NWU) reported delays in allowances scheduled for 21 February 2025 due to technical issues. Batch payments commenced over the weekend, with 7,097 payments on 22 February and 20,421 on 24 February. Students without banking details on the NWU DIY platform are excluded. Qualifying students will receive February and March living allowances by the end of the week, with remaining book allowances to follow.
UP and UJ Open Application and Funding Lists
The University of Pretoria (UP) has opened its 2025 NSFAS allowance application system via the UP portal. The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has released its funded list, allowing students to check their funding status.
SPU Continues Disbursement Process
Sol Plaatjie University (SPU) confirmed the majority of its NSFAS-funded students have received February and March allowances. Approximately 900 first-time students and 2,900 returning students have been paid. "The process of allowance disbursements is continuing and will continue until all funded students have been paid, as has been communicated on various platforms," SPU said. Students not on the funded list must contact NSFAS via the Finance Department.
Shift to University Distribution Due to Legal Disputes
NSFAS confirmed the shift to university-led allowance distribution in 2024, discontinuing the NSFAS Bank Account. The original plan for direct student payments was hindered by an ongoing court case.
