The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a crucial lifeline for many South African students aspiring to higher education. This government-funded bursary covers tuition, registration fees, and provides additional allowances to support students financially.
While NSFAS funds students at public universities and TVET colleges, the specifics vary for each institution. Funding for Unisa students differs from those at other universities, due to Unisa being a distance learning institution.
Unisa Students and NSFAS Allowances
Unisa students receiving NSFAS funding are eligible for a Learning Materials Allowance. This allowance is calculated based on the number of modules registered.
Students enrolled in four modules receive R700 per module, while those with five or more modules qualify for a once-off payment of R5 460. It's important to note that the maximum Learning Materials Allowance is R5 200, regardless of the number of modules exceeding five.
Additionally, Unisa students registered for ten or more modules are entitled to a personal care/incidental allowance of R304.50 per month from February to November. This allowance is designed to assist with living expenses during the academic year.
NSFAS Allowance Payments for August 2024
For August 2024, Unisa students can expect a personal care/incidental allowance of R304.50. It's essential to remember that this allowance is only available to students enrolled in a full-time course load.
The Learning Materials Allowance is a once-off payment disbursed at the beginning of the academic year.
Changes to NSFAS Allowance Payments
NSFAS has introduced a new payment system for allowances, replacing the previous NSFAS Direct method. Universities, including Unisa, will now be responsible for disbursing allowances until the end of 2024. This decision extends the initial plan of universities handling payments until July 2024.
For 2025, universities will pay NSFAS allowances directly to students.
