The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) increased some allowances and also introduced new allowances during 2020 to help students during the pandemic.
Blade Nzimande, the Minister responsible for higher education, introduced the incidental allowance during the 2020 financial year.
The incidental or personal care allowance is available to students funded by NSFAS in distance learning and catered residences.
Unisa students, in distance learning or those registered for 10 modules per year, receive an incidental allowance of R290 per month. Per year these students receive R2 900, as the funds are only issued for the duration of their academic year.
The academic year takes place over 10 months, from February to November each year.
However, Unisa students have stated that the allowance is not enough.
The government believes that students eligible for the incidental allowance live in more advantageous conditions than students who study full-time since they are not required to travel to campus every day.
University students who live in catered accommodation also receive the allowance.