The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides financial support to eligible South African students pursuing higher education. This support includes monthly NSFAS allowances to cover living expenses, accommodation, and study materials. For June 2025, NSFAS has outlined specific payment dates and procedures to ensure timely disbursement of funds to both university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students.
NSFAS Allowance Payment Schedule for June 2025
According to the official NSFAS payment schedule, the key dates for June 2025 are:
- Exclusions Cut-off Date: 13 June 2025
- Payment Date: 30 June 2025
These dates apply to both annual and semester-based academic cycles. The exclusions cut-off date is the deadline by which institutions must submit any changes, such as cancellations or blocks, to NSFAS. Payments are then processed and disbursed by the end of the month.
NSFAS Allowance Payment Methods for June 2025
University Students
For the first semester of 2025, university students will continue to receive their NSFAS allowances through their respective institutions. This arrangement remains in place due to a delay in the planned rollout of direct payments, which has been postponed pending the resolution of an ongoing court case. Consequently, universities are responsible for distributing funds to eligible students based on the disbursements received from NSFAS.
It’s important to note that each university may have its own internal processes and timelines for disbursing these funds. Therefore, students are advised to consult their institution’s financial aid office or official communication channels to obtain specific information regarding the timing and method of their allowance payments.
TVET College Students
TVET college students will continue to receive their NSFAS allowances directly into their personal bank accounts. This direct payment system was introduced in 2024 and has been maintained for 2025. To ensure timely receipt of funds, students must ensure that their banking details are accurately captured and up to date on the myNSFAS portal.
Types of Allowances and Caps
NSFAS provides various allowances to support students’ needs. The approved caps for the 2025 academic year are as follows:
- Accommodation: Up to R24,000 per year, depending on the area (urban, peri-urban, or rural)
- Living Allowance: R15,000 per year for university students
- Transport Allowance: Up to R7,500 per year for students residing within 40 km of their institution
- Book Allowance: R5,200 per year for university students
- Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year for both university and TVET college students
These allowances are disbursed monthly over a ten-month period, typically from February to November. Students do not receive payments outside of these months.
Read more: What Happens If You Don’t Pay Back NSFAS: Consequences and Solutions
Ensuring Timely Payments
To avoid delays in receiving NSFAS allowances, students should:
- Confirm Registration: Ensure that their institution has submitted valid registration data to NSFAS.
- Update Banking Details: For TVET college students, verify that their bank account information is correctly captured on the myNSFAS portal.
- Monitor Communication: Regularly check official communications from NSFAS and their institution for updates on payment schedules and procedures.
If a student experiences a delay in receiving their allowance, they should first consult their institution’s financial aid office to confirm that all necessary information has been submitted to NSFAS. If all details are correct and the delay persists, students can contact NSFAS directly through the myNSFAS portal or official contact channels for assistance.
Conclusion
NSFAS plays a crucial role in supporting South African students in their pursuit of higher education. By adhering to the outlined schedules and ensuring that all personal and institutional information is accurate and up to date, students can facilitate the timely receipt of their allowances. Staying informed through official channels and maintaining open communication with both NSFAS and their educational institutions will help students navigate the funding process effectively.
