The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially released the NSFAS 2025 Allowances for the upcoming academic year. These allowances have been determined in consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
If you are a university or TVET college student receiving NSFAS funding, this guide provides a detailed breakdown of your NSFAS 2025 Allowances, including the payment schedule and important appeal information.
Good News: NSFAS Allowance Increase for 2025 Academic Year
NSFAS 2025 Allowances for University Students
The table below outlines the NSFAS 2025 Allowances for university students, categorized by accommodation type, living expenses, and specific needs:
| Allowance Type | New Books (ZAR) | Accommodation (ZAR) | Living Allowance (ZAR) | Travel Allowance (ZAR) | Personal Care (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 for University Students
- NSFAS 2025 Allowances vary based on accommodation type and whether students are in catered or non-catered housing.
- Living allowances are applicable to non-catered students.
- Students with disabilities receive additional funding for assistive devices and human support.
- Transport allowances are available for students who require them.
NSFAS 2025 Allowances for TVET College Students
For TVET college students, the following NSFAS 2025 Allowances apply:
| Allowance Type | Accommodation (ZAR) | Living Allowance (ZAR) | Travel Allowance (ZAR) | Personal Care (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 for TVET Students
- NSFAS 2025 Allowances depend on accommodation type (catered or non-catered).
- Students with disabilities receive extra financial support for transport and assistive devices.
- Non-catered students get a living allowance, whereas catered students do not.
NSFAS 2025 Payment Schedule
University Students
- Second Upfront Payment: NSFAS made payments to universities in the week of 3rd March 2025.
- Disbursement Deadline: Institutions must distribute student NSFAS 2025 Allowances by 7th March 2025.
TVET College Students
- Initial Payment: 7th March 2025 (covering two months’ worth of allowances).
- Second Payment Run: 14th March 2025 (valid registrations uploaded by 10th March 2025).
NSFAS 2025 Appeals
- Important Appeal Deadline
Students who appealed their NSFAS funding must submit all required documents within 30 days of receiving their application results.
How to Contact NSFAS
- Toll-Free Number: 0800 067 327
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
The NSFAS 2025 Allowances ensure financial support for university and TVET students. Students must ensure their registrations are uploaded on time to avoid delays in receiving their funding. Those who have lodged appeals must submit all supporting documents before the 30-day deadline.
