The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a lifeline for many South African students, providing financial assistance in the form of bursaries and loans. But when it comes to allowance payments, there are specific timelines to keep in mind.
NSFAS Allowances in December 2024
NSFAS typically aligns its allowance payments with the academic calendar, which generally runs from February to November. As December falls outside this period, students will not receive any allowance payments this month.
The purpose of these allowances is to support students during active academic months, covering essential expenses like accommodation, food, and learning materials.
NSFAS Allowance Breakdown for 2024
Here's a breakdown of NSFAS allowance amounts for 2024:
University Students:
- Living Allowance: R16,500 per year (R3,045 for personal care, R13,455 for meals)
- Learning Material Allowance: Up to R5,460
TVET College Students:
- Living Allowance: R10,000 per year
- Learning Material Allowance: Varies depending on the course
Students with disabilities may be eligible for special allowances, including higher living allowances and larger learning material allowances. However, these are subject to specific conditions.