Further education is expensive, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides bursaries and loans to assist students. NSFAS funding includes allowances to cover essential student needs.
NSFAS has announced the eligibility criteria and conditions for financial aid in 2025. They have also outlined the allowances that TVET College students can expect to receive during the academic year.
NSFAS allowances are disbursed in 10 payments throughout the academic year, which typically runs from February to November. This means NSFAS payments will only be made during these months.
TVET College NSFAS Allowances for 2025
Bursaries
- Learning materials
- Living/personal care
- Only for students in non-catered residences
- Accommodation
- Capped according to area
- Transport
- For students who are not living on residence
Distance Learning Students
Distance learning university students will receive a different set of allowances as their needs differ. NSFAS has confirmed that distance learning students at TVET Colleges only qualify for the personal care allowance.
Occupational Programmes
TVET College students registered for an occupational qualification may qualify for allowances only if they are in simulated training. However, those with an employment contract and stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances.
NSFAS Loan Allowances
Students who receive an NSFAS loan in 2025 can expect funding for:
- Accommodation
- Learning materials
The Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane, will soon announce the specific NSFAS allowance amounts for 2025 during her state of readiness briefing.
How TVET College NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in 2025
NSFAS has confirmed that its direct allowance payment system for TVET College students will continue in 2025. Regarding payment methods, NSFAS has stated:
"The allowances payment channel for TVET College students remains their own bank accounts."
NSFAS has urged TVET Colleges to instruct students to open bank accounts to ensure they receive their allowances on time.
Only students with confirmed funding and submitted registration data can add their banking details.
How to Update Banking Details on myNSFAS
Students can update their banking details on the myNSFAS portal by following these steps:
- Visit the myNSFAS portal.
- Log in using your myNSFAS credentials.
- Select "Bank Account Details" under "Profile Information".
- Enter your bank details accurately.
- Click "Save".
NSFAS advises students to keep their profiles up to date and submit their banking details on time to avoid disruptions in receiving their allowances.
