The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled at public universities and TVET colleges. These cover tuition, registration, and several monthly allowances.
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane recently confirmed that NSFAS allowances will increase by 4% in 2025. Payments are issued over 10 months, from February to November.
NSFAS Allowance Amounts for May 2025
Learning Materials Allowance (once-off annual payment):
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Students in catered and non-catered residences: R5 678
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Students with disabilities: R6 240
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Transport recipients: R5 678
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Transport recipients with disabilities: R6 240
Accommodation Allowance (monthly for 10 months):
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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 (Metro): R5 200
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Non-Catered (Non-Metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R6 963
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Non-Metro): R6 027
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Students with disabilities (Non-Catered, Metro): R5 200
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Students with disabilities (Non-Catered, Non-Metro): R4 264
Living Allowance (monthly for eligible students):
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Non-Catered (Non-Metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Non-Catered): R2 080
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Transport recipients: R1 716
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Transport recipients with disabilities: R2 080
Travel Allowance (monthly):
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All transport recipients: R819
Personal Care Allowance (monthly):
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Only students in catered residences: R316
NSFAS Loans
Students funded through a NSFAS loan will receive only the accommodation and learning materials allowances.
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in May 2025
In late 2024, NSFAS confirmed it would no longer use the NSFAS Bank Account system. Instead, allowances for university students will be paid directly by institutions.
NSFAS initially planned to pay allowances into students’ personal bank accounts, but this change is delayed due to a court case.
Until further notice, universities will continue to distribute allowances. Students are urged to contact their financial aid office for specific instructions.
