The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has confirmed the allowance amounts for university students in November 2024.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
How Much Are NSFAS Allowances?
University students receive an annual living allowance of R16,500, which includes R3,045 for personal care and R13,455 for meals. Additionally, they are eligible for a learning material allowance of up to R5,460 per year.
- Students living with immediate family or relatives are not eligible for the accommodation allowance. Instead, they qualify for a travel allowance, determined by their institution, up to a maximum of R7,875 for 2024.
- Students with disabilities receive higher living allowances and an additional learning material allowance.
These amounts are divided into ten equal instalments by NSFAS each year.
How University NSFAS Allowance Payments Will Be Made
NSFAS has confirmed that universities will be responsible for paying student allowances for the remainder of the 2024 academic year. This means students registered at one of South Africa’s 26 public universities will receive allowance payments directly from their institution.
