The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries and student loans to eligible students, covering tuition, registration fees, and various study-related costs. This government-funded support applies to South Africa’s 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges.
How NSFAS Allowances Are Paid
NSFAS allowances are disbursed over 10 payments throughout the academic year, typically from February to November. This means students receive allowances only during this period.
NSFAS Allowances for University Students in April 2025
Learning Materials Allowance
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Paid once-off at the beginning of the year.
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R5 678 – Students in catered and non-catered residences, and those receiving a transport allowance.
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R6 240 – Students with disabilities in residences or receiving a transport allowance.
Accommodation Allowance (Paid 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 residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities in catered residences:
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Metro: R6 963
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Non-metro: R6 027
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Students with disabilities in non-catered residences:
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Metro: R5 200
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Non-metro: R4 264
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Living Allowance (Paid monthly for 10 months, only for eligible students)
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Students in non-catered residences (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities in non-catered residences (Metro & 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 (Paid monthly for 10 months)
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All students receiving a transport allowance: R819
Personal Care Allowance (Paid monthly for 10 months)
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Only students in catered residences receive this allowance: R316 per month
NSFAS Allowances for TVET College Students in April 2025
Accommodation Allowance (Paid 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 residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities in catered residences:
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Metro: R6 963
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Non-metro: R6 027
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Students with disabilities in non-catered residences:
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Metro: R5 200
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Non-metro: R4 264
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Living Allowance (Paid monthly for 10 months, only for eligible students)
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Students in non-catered residences (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities in non-catered residences (Metro & 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 (Paid monthly for 10 months)
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All students receiving a transport allowance: R802
Personal Care Allowance (Paid monthly for 10 months)
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Only students in catered residences receive this allowance: R316 per month
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in April 2025
TVET College Students
TVET College students will continue to receive their allowances directly into their bank accounts. Students must ensure their banking details are updated on the myNSFAS portal.
University Students
University students will receive their allowances directly from their institutions. Universities have different payment methods, so students should contact their financial aid offices for specific instructions.
