The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed increases for the allowances allocated to funded students in 2024. These increases encompass allowances for university students, those in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, as well as students studying through distance learning.
As part of NSFAS's comprehensive funding package, eligible students receive various allowances. These allowances encompass transport expenses, living costs, expenses for learning materials, and accommodation costs.
However, students enrolled in distance learning programs, such as those at the University of South Africa (Unisa), do not qualify for all these allowances. This exclusion stems from the fact that distance learning students typically do not incur the same expenses as their counterparts in traditional educational settings.
Here's A Breakdown Of The NSFAS Allowances For Distance Learning Students
Allowances for students in distance education programs are determined based on the number of courses registered, capped at a maximum of R5,460.
Students enrolled in distance learning programs at universities receive a personal care allowance of R3,045 per academic year if they are studying an equivalent full-time course load. To be eligible for this allowance, students must be registered for a minimum of 120 course credits within a single academic year.
The allowances for students in distance education programs are calculated based on the number of courses registered, with a maximum limit of R5,460.
NSFAS is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme NSFAS which provides financial aid in the form of a bursary fund for higher education students through NSFAS. NSFAS online application and registration opens in the later part of the year for students with the NSFAS closing date usually being in the next calendar year.
NSFAS gives bursaries to students from poor and working class backgrounds which goes beyond just paying for your fees. They’ll also pay the NSFAS students' registration, accommodation, transport, books through NSFAS allowances using the NSFAS bank account.
NSFAS has also introduced NSFAS loans for missing middle students.
