NSFAS supports students at universities and TVET colleges through bursaries and student loans. Funding covers tuition, registration fees, and allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
NSFAS Allowance Payments for May 2025
Unisa confirmed allowances will be paid directly by the institution via EFT into students’ bank accounts.
“NSFAS allowances are paid by the institution via EFT in the student’s bank account.”
This is in line with the standard payment process for all university students.
Students experiencing issues with allowances must contact the Unisa student funding department at DSF-NSFAS [at] unisa.ac.za (DSF-NSFAS[at]unisa[dot]ac[dot]za).
Outstanding Balances & Allowance Delays
Although NSFAS funds tuition fees, payments may be delayed—resulting in temporary balances on study accounts. NSFAS does not settle historical debt for newly funded students.
Despite account balances, Unisa confirmed this will not affect access to study materials, assignment submissions, or exams.
May 2025 Allowance Disbursement
Unisa said all first-year NSFAS-funded students who correctly submitted their banking details via the ITS system will receive allowances by Friday, 7 May 2025.
Approximately 220 first-year students are still awaiting payment.
NSFAS only funds students registered for their first qualification and approved courses. The scheme does not cover costs such as supplementary exams, remarking, or textbooks charged to study accounts.
