The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has released the approved student allowances for the 2025 academic year. These allowances have been finalized in consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training sector.
NSFAS Student Allowances: Full Breakdown for University & TVET Students 2025
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the NSFAS-approved allowances for university and TVET college students, the payment schedule, and important appeal information.
NSFAS 2025 Approved Allowances for University Students
The following table outlines the allowances for university students, categorized by accommodation type and specific needs:
| Allowance Type | New Books (ZAR) | Accommodation (ZAR) | Living Allowance (ZAR) | Travel Allowance (ZAR) | Personal Care Allowance (ZAR) | Human Support (ZAR) | Assistive Device (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNI Catered – Disability Metro | 6,240.00 | 69,633.00 | – | – | 3,167.00 | 52,000.00 | 54,080.00 |
| UNI Catered – Disability Non-Metro | 6,240.00 | 60,273.00 | – | – | 3,167.00 | 52,000.00 | 54,080.00 |
| UNI Catered – Metro | 5,678.00 | 65,993.00 | – | – | 3,167.00 | – | – |
| UNI Catered – Non-Metro | 5,678.00 | 56,633.00 | – | – | 3,167.00 | – | – |
| UNI Non-Catered – Disability Metro | 6,240.00 | 52,000.00 | 20,800.00 | – | – | 52,000.00 | 54,080.00 |
| UNI Non-Catered – Disability Non-Metro | 6,240.00 | 42,640.00 | 20,800.00 | – | – | 52,000.00 | 54,080.00 |
| UNI Non-Catered Metro | 5,678.00 | 52,000.00 | 17,160.00 | – | – | – | – |
| UNI Non-Catered Non-Metro | 5,678.00 | 42,640.00 | 17,160.00 | – | – | – | – |
| UNI Disability Transport | 6,240.00 | – | 20,800.00 | 8,190.00 | – | 52,000.00 | 54,080.00 |
| UNI Transport | 5,678.00 | – | 17,160.00 | 8,190.00 | – | – | – |
| UNI Distance Learning / UNISA | 660 per module (max 5,678.00) | – | – | – | 3,167.00 | – | – |
Key Takeaways
- Accommodation funding varies depending on whether a student is in a catered or non-catered institution and if they have a disability.
- Living allowances are applicable mainly to non-catered students.
- Students with disabilities receive additional funding for assistive devices and human support.
- Transport allowances apply only to those who require them.
Also check: Ways to Make Money While Studying Without Losing Focus
NSFAS 2025 Approved Allowances for TVET College Students
For students attending TVET colleges, the following allowance breakdown applies:
| Allowance Type | Accommodation (ZAR) | Living Allowance (ZAR) | Travel Allowance (ZAR) | Personal Care Allowance (ZAR) | Human Support (ZAR) | Assistive Device (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVET Catered – Disability Metro | 69,633.00 | 0 | 0 | 3,167.00 | 0 | 54,080.00 |
| TVET Catered – Disability Non-Metro | 60,273.00 | 0 | 0 | 3,167.00 | 0 | 54,080.00 |
| TVET Catered – Metro | 65,993.00 | 0 | 0 | 3,167.00 | 0 | 0 |
| TVET Catered – Non-Metro | 56,633.00 | 0 | 0 | 3,167.00 | 0 | 0 |
| TVET Disability Transport | 0 | 20,800.00 | 8,027.00 | 0 | 0 | 54,080.00 |
| TVET Non-Catered – Disability Metro | 52,000.00 | 20,800.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54,080.00 |
| TVET Non-Catered – Disability Non-Metro | 42,640.00 | 20,800.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 54,080.00 |
| TVET Non-Catered Metro | 52,000.00 | 17,160.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TVET Non-Catered Non-Metro | 42,640.00 | 17,160.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TVET Transport | 0 | 17,160.00 | 8,027.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Key Takeaways
- Similar to university allowances, TVET students receive different amounts based on their living conditions.
- Students with disabilities receive additional financial support for transport, personal care, and assistive devices.
- Non-catered students receive a living allowance, whereas catered students do not.
NSFAS Payment Schedule for 2025
Second Upfront Payment
NSFAS has made the second upfront payment to universities in the week of 3rd March 2025, ensuring that institutions disburse allowances to students by 7th March 2025.
TVET College Payment Schedule
- NSFAS released payments on 7th March 2025 for two months’ worth of allowances.
- Payments are based on valid registrations uploaded by 4th March 2025.
- A second payment run is scheduled for 14th March 2025, with a registration data upload deadline of 10th March 2025.
Urgent Call for Submission of Appeal Documents
- Students who have lodged an appeal for the 2025 academic year must submit required documents urgently.
- The deadline for appeal submissions is 30 days from receiving application results.
Read more: How to Write a Strong Appeal Letter for NSFAS
For further inquiries, students can contact NSFAS:
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
The NSFAS 2025 student allowances ensure financial support for both university and TVET students, with specific provisions for students with disabilities. Students must ensure their registration data is uploaded on time to avoid missing out on payments. Those who have lodged appeals must submit supporting documents within the stipulated timeframe.
