Higher education in South Africa can be expensive, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides crucial financial support through bursaries and loans. These funds help cover essential student expenses, including various allowances.
NSFAS has announced the eligibility criteria and conditions for financial aid in 2025. Additionally, they have outlined the allowances that university students can expect to receive during the academic year.
NSFAS distributes allowances over 10 monthly payments, covering the academic year from February to November for most institutions. This means students will receive financial support only within this period.
University NSFAS Allowances for 2025
For the 2025 academic year, NSFAS will provide the following allowances to eligible students:
Bursaries Cover:
- Learning materials
- Living/personal care (For students in non-catered residences)
- Accommodation (Capped based on location)
- Transport (For students not residing on campus)
Allowances for Distance Learning Students
Distance learning students have different financial needs, and NSFAS has set specific allowances for them:
- Students taking less than 60 course credits will only qualify for a learning materials allowance.
- Students taking a full course load will qualify for both a learning materials allowance and a personal care allowance.
NSFAS Loans Allowances
For students who do not qualify for full bursaries, NSFAS also offers loans that can be used for:
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in 2025
In the latter half of 2024, NSFAS announced a major change in how university allowances will be distributed. Instead of using the NSFAS Bank Account system, allowances will now be paid directly through universities.
On how students will receive allowance payments, NSFAS has said:
Allowances of students will be paid based on an approved NSFAS payment channel.
NSFAS had initially planned to transfer funds directly into students' personal bank accounts. However, due to an ongoing court case, this system could not be implemented. As a result, universities will continue to manage and distribute NSFAS allowances in 2025.
NSFAS Allowance Amounts for 2025
The exact amount students will receive in NSFAS allowances for 2025 has not yet been confirmed. The Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane, will provide official details during her State of Readiness briefing.
