The NSFAS bursary covers tuition fees, registration costs, and various study-related expenses for students enrolled at South Africa’s 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges.
These NSFAS allowances are paid out over 10 months of the academic year, from February to November.
NSFAS Allowances for May 2025
University Students
Learning Materials Allowance
A once-off annual payment:
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Catered and non-catered residences: R5 678
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Students with disabilities: R6 240
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R5 678
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R6 240
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly over 10 months:
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Catered residence (Metro): R6 599
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Catered residence (Non-metro): R5 663
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Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R6 963
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Non-metro): R6 027
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R5 200
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R4 264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly to eligible students:
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R1 716
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R2 080
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R2 080
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R1 716
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2 080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly: R819 for students with a transport allowance, including students with disabilities.
Personal Care Allowance
Paid monthly: R316 for students in catered residences.
TVET College Students
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly:
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Catered residence (Metro): R6 599
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Catered residence (Non-metro): R5 663
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Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R6 963
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Non-metro): R6 027
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R5 200
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R4 264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly to qualifying students:
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R1 716
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R2 080
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R2 080
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R1 716
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2 080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly: R802 for students receiving a transport allowance, including students with disabilities.
Personal Care Allowance
Paid monthly: R316 for students in catered residences.
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in May 2025
NSFAS has confirmed that TVET College students will continue receiving their allowances via direct deposit into their personal bank accounts. Students must ensure their banking information is updated on the myNSFAS portal.
University students will receive their NSFAS allowances through their respective institutions. As payment timelines may differ, students are advised to consult their financial aid offices for specific details.
