The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has transformed access to higher education in South Africa. For many students, tuition coverage alone isn’t enough to make university or TVET college studies possible. That’s where NSFAS allowances come in. These funds help cover essential living costs, from accommodation and meals to books and transport.
If you’re applying for NSFAS funding in 2025 or are already a beneficiary, this guide gives you everything you need to know about NSFAS allowances: what they are, how much you can get, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
What Are NSFAS Allowances?
NSFAS allowances are financial allocations given to eligible students on top of tuition coverage. They cover the non-tuition costs of studying, making higher education more accessible for students from low-income households.
These allowances can be used for:
- Rent or campus housing
- Meals and daily living expenses
- Transport costs
- Textbooks, laptops, and other study materials
In short, they make sure students don’t just get into university or TVET college — they can actually stay there and succeed.
Quick fact: NSFAS supports over 1.3 million students across public universities and TVET colleges each year. Without allowances, many of these students would not be able to continue their studies.
Types of NSFAS Allowances
NSFAS doesn’t give every student the same allowance. The amount and type depend on whether you’re in a university or a TVET college, and whether you live on campus, in private housing, or at home.
Here’s a breakdown of allowances for 2025 (latest official NSFAS figures):
| Type of Allowance | University Students | TVET College Students |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (Metro) | Up to R66,500 per year | Institution-based rates |
| Accommodation (Non-Metro) | Up to R57,500 per year | Institution-based rates |
| Private Accommodation Metro | R50,000 per year | – |
| Private Accommodation Non-Metro | R41,000 per year | – |
| Living/Meal Allowance | R13,455 per year | R6,000 per year |
| Learning Materials Allowance | R5,460 per year (once-off, includes laptop option) | R5,460 per year |
| Personal Care Allowance | R2,900 per year (TVET catered residences only) | R2,900 per year |
| Distance Learning Allowance | R5,460 per year (maximum) | – |
Important: Not every student qualifies for every allowance. For example, if you live at home, you won’t receive full accommodation funding but may qualify for transport allowances.
Eligibility for NSFAS Allowances
Not all NSFAS-funded students automatically qualify for every allowance. To be considered, you need to meet specific requirements:
- General NSFAS requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Household income of R350,000 or less per year (R600,000 for students with disabilities)
- Accepted at a public university or TVET college
- Meeting academic progression rules
- Allowance-specific requirements:
- Accommodation allowance – Proof of residence agreement with accredited accommodation
- Transport allowance – Student must commute daily from home
- Living allowance – For students not staying at home, depending on residence type
- Learning material allowance – Must be enrolled in an academic program
How to Apply for NSFAS Allowances
You don’t apply for allowances separately — they’re part of the NSFAS funding application process.
Step-by-step process:
- Go to the official NSFAS website: www.nsfas.org.za
- Register or log in to your myNSFAS account
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents (ID, proof of household income, academic records, proof of residence if applying for accommodation)
- Submit before the closing date (for 2025 applications, 1 September 2025 – 31 January 2026)
Pro tip: Always check deadlines early. Late applications are usually not accepted, though NSFAS sometimes opens a second window.
How Much Money Can You Get from NSFAS Allowances?
The amount varies based on your institution and living situation. Here’s an estimate for university students in 2025:
- Accommodation: R41,000 – R66,500 per year
- Meals/Living: R13,455 per year
- Books/Study Materials: R5,460 per year
- Personal Care (TVET only): R2,900 per year
Example case:
Lerato, a second-year student in Johannesburg, lives in private metro accommodation and receives:
- R50,000 for accommodation
- R13,455 for meals
- R5,460 for learning materials
Total = R68,915 per year
That support makes her studies possible without working full-time on the side.
Maximum NSFAS Allowance
The Department of Higher Education and NSFAS set maximum caps each year. For 2025:
- Accommodation: R66,500 (metro universities)
- Learning materials: R5,460
- Living allowance: R13,455
- Personal care: R2,900
You cannot receive more than the capped amount, even if your actual expenses are higher.
When Do You Receive Your NSFAS Allowances?
The payment schedule depends on your institution, but most follow these patterns:
- Monthly payments: Living and transport allowances are paid monthly directly to your bank account or via NSFAS Wallet (for TVET students).
- Annual/once-off payments: Learning material allowance is paid once at the start of the year.
- Per semester/term: Some institutions split payments into termly installments.
Delays are common. They often happen due to missing documents, bank verification issues, or institution processing backlogs.
Can You Use NSFAS Allowances for Anything You Want?
Not exactly. Allowances are meant for education-related expenses.
- Allowed: Rent, meals, study materials, transport, personal care items
- Not allowed: Luxury shopping, alcohol, gambling, or non-education expenses
If NSFAS or your university finds misuse, you can be reported, and in some cases, your funding may be cut.
Can You Lose Your NSFAS Allowances?
Yes. NSFAS has strict rules:
- Failing too many modules: You must pass at least 50% of your modules each year.
- N+ Rule: NSFAS funds you for your program’s duration + 1 extra year. If you exceed this, funding stops.
- Dropping out or switching institutions: Allowances may be suspended until your status is updated.
- Misconduct or fraud: Using allowances dishonestly can lead to permanent removal.
How to Handle NSFAS Allowance Problems
Common problems include:
- Delayed payments
- Incorrect allowance amounts
- Missing payments
What to do:
- Contact your university or TVET financial aid office first
- If unresolved, contact NSFAS directly via:
- Call: 08000 67327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Twitter/X: @myNSFAS
Always keep receipts, proof of communication, and student reference numbers.
Common Misconceptions About NSFAS Allowances
- “NSFAS pays for everything.” False — it only covers tuition and capped allowances.
- “All students get the same amount.” Not true — amounts depend on institution type, location, and living arrangements.
- “NSFAS funds postgraduates.” Mostly false — allowances are for undergraduates only, with very few exceptions.
NSFAS Allowances vs Other Financial Aid
Here’s how NSFAS compares to other options:
| Funding Type | Coverage | Repayment | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSFAS Allowances | Tuition + living costs (capped) | None (bursary) | Limited |
| University bursaries | Tuition + some expenses | None | Varies |
| Private scholarships | Usually tuition only | None | Varies |
| Student loans | Tuition + costs | Repayable with interest | Flexible |
NSFAS is unique because it functions as a bursary, not a loan, for undergraduates.
How NSFAS Allowances Have Changed Over Time
- Pre-2018: NSFAS worked mainly as a loan scheme. Students had to repay funds.
- 2018 reform: Shift to a full bursary system for undergraduates.
- 2021: Introduction of digital device allowance (laptops).
- Recent years: Annual increases in accommodation and meal allowances to match inflation.
Benefits of NSFAS Allowances
- Reduces financial stress for low-income students
- Improves access to higher education across South Africa
- Encourages student success by covering basic needs
- Supports national development by building a skilled workforce
Drawbacks of NSFAS Allowances
- Fixed caps don’t always match real living costs in expensive cities
- Payment delays can cause hardship
- Limited scope — postgraduate students often excluded
- Cases of fraud and misuse reduce trust in the system
FAQs About NSFAS Allowances
Can I use NSFAS allowances to pay for tuition fees?
No. Tuition fees are paid directly to your institution by NSFAS. Allowances are only for non-tuition expenses.
How do I know if I’m eligible for NSFAS allowances?
You qualify if you meet NSFAS criteria (citizenship, household income, academic progress) and are enrolled at a public institution.
What happens if I fail a course while receiving NSFAS allowances?
You must pass at least 50% of your modules each year to keep funding. Failing too many can lead to suspension.
Can I receive NSFAS allowances if I’m studying part-time?
No. NSFAS only funds full-time students.
How do I apply for NSFAS allowances?
Submit a full NSFAS application at www.nsfas.org.za with the required documents.
Do NSFAS allowances cover distance learning students?
Yes, but capped at R5,460 per year for study materials.
Conclusion
NSFAS allowances play a vital role in helping South African students pursue higher education. They cover living costs that tuition funding doesn’t, ensuring disadvantaged students can study without constant financial struggles.
If you’re planning to apply for NSFAS in 2025, make sure you understand the different allowance types, the eligibility rules, and the responsibilities that come with them. Used wisely, these allowances are more than financial support — they’re a pathway to opportunity.
