Managing a student allowance, especially one provided by a government funding scheme like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), can be challenging. The NSFAS is designed to ease the financial burden on students attending universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges by providing a monthly allowance for living costs. However, it requires effective budgeting to ensure that the funds last the entire month and cover all necessary expenses.
In this article, we will explore how students can manage their NSFAS allowance, focusing on meal planning, transportation, and other daily costs. We will also break down typical living expenses and share practical tips on making the most of the allowance.
Understanding the NSFAS Allowance for University and TVET Students
NSFAS provides financial assistance to both university and TVET students to help with living expenses, such as meals, accommodation, transport, and learning materials. The exact allowance can vary depending on the institution and the individual student’s circumstances.
University Students’ NSFAS Allowance Breakdown:
Living Allowance: R2,900 per month (for students staying off-campus)
Meals: This varies by institution, but generally, it falls within the same range as the living allowance.
Books and Learning Materials: R5,000 per year, typically paid upfront at the start of the academic year.
Transport Allowance: R7,000 per year (approximately R583 per month) for students living more than 40km from campus.
Accommodation: Depending on whether students stay on or off-campus, NSFAS covers either the full cost or part of the accommodation fees.
TVET Students’ NSFAS Allowance Breakdown:
Living Allowance: R2,500 per month (for students staying off-campus)
Meals: This is typically included within the living allowance.
Books and Learning Materials: R5,000 per year (similar to university students but included in the allowance).
Transport Allowance: R3,000 per year (approximately R250 per month).
Related: NSFAS Student Allowances: Full Breakdown for University & TVET Students 2025
How to Effectively Manage the NSFAS Allowance
For many students, learning how to budget is a crucial skill to ensure that they make the most of the financial assistance they receive. It’s not just about receiving the NSFAS funds—it’s about using them wisely to meet your basic needs while also saving for emergencies or other unexpected costs.
One of the biggest expenses that students need to manage effectively is their grocery budget, particularly for meals. Let’s walk through some key strategies for budgeting, particularly for university students, as well as tips on meal planning for both university and TVET students.
How to Meal Plan on NSFAS Allowance
Meal planning is essential for any student living off-campus and managing their NSFAS allowance. By planning meals ahead of time and keeping a close eye on grocery spending, you can stretch your food budget and avoid running out of money mid-month. Here’s how to make the most of your meal allowance:
1. Plan Your Meals for the Week
Breakfast: Affordable and nutritious options include oats, eggs, bread with peanut butter or jam, or cereals.
Lunch: Simple meals like sandwiches, rice and beans, pasta with sauce, or a salad.
Dinner: Staples like chicken, mince, beans, rice, and vegetables make hearty meals. You can also prepare stews, stir-fries, or pasta dishes to keep meals varied.
Snacks: Stock affordable snacks like fruit, yogurt, and nuts to keep your energy levels up.
2. Grocery List & Estimated Costs
To help you plan your grocery list, here is an example based on typical South African prices:
| Item | Quantity | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (5kg) | 1 pack | R80 |
| Pasta (1kg) | 2 packs | R30 x 2 = R60 |
| Maize meal (5kg) | 1 pack | R60 |
| Bread (loaf) | 8 loaves | R15 x 8 = R120 |
| Eggs (dozen) | 2 packs | R30 x 2 = R60 |
| Peanut butter (500g) | 1 jar | R45 |
| Jam (500g) | 1 jar | R35 |
| Chicken (1kg) | 2 packs | R90 x 2 = R180 |
| Mince (1kg) | 1 pack | R95 |
| Canned beans (400g) | 4 cans | R15 x 4 = R60 |
| Vegetables (carrots, spinach) | 3kg | R40 |
| Fruit (bananas, apples) | 3kg | R45 |
| Yogurt (1kg) | 2 tubs | R30 x 2 = R60 |
| Cereals (1kg) | 1 box | R40 |
| Tea (100 bags) | 1 box | R40 |
| Sugar (2kg) | 1 bag | R40 |
Total Estimated Monthly Grocery Cost: R1,050
This budget covers basic grocery essentials that will help you prepare meals for the month. You may need to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs, but this is a solid starting point for a student living off their NSFAS allowance.
3. Example Meal Plan
Here’s an example of a weekly meal plan based on the above grocery list:
Breakfast Options:
Oats with fruit (bananas) or bread with peanut butter and jam.
Tea or yogurt.
Lunch Options:
Rice with beans, sandwiches, or a salad with chicken or egg.
Dinner Options:
Pasta with mince or chicken stew with vegetables, or rice with beans and vegetables.
Snacks:
Fruit, yogurt, or nuts.
4. Tips for Saving on Meals
Buy in Bulk: Purchase staples like rice, maize meal, pasta, and canned goods in bulk. They are often cheaper per unit and will last longer.
Cook in Batches: Cook large portions of meals such as stews, pasta dishes, and casseroles. Store leftovers for the next day or freeze them for later.
Use Leftovers: Transform leftover meals into new ones. For example, leftover chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Shop Sales: Take advantage of weekly specials and discounts at your local grocery store. If possible, shop at wholesale stores or local markets for cheaper fresh produce.
5. Track Your Spending
It’s essential to track your spending regularly. Allocate a fixed amount each week for groceries and stick to the budget. Keep a notebook or use a mobile app to monitor expenses. This helps you stay within your allowance and ensures you won’t run out of money before the month ends.
Additional Tips for Managing NSFAS Allowance
In addition to meal planning, university and TVET students should keep track of other necessary expenses like transport, accommodation, and study materials. Here are some tips to manage these aspects effectively:
Transport: Students living more than 40km from their institution can receive a transport allowance. It’s vital to plan your trips in advance and consider carpooling or using public transport to reduce costs.
Accommodation: If your NSFAS allowance covers accommodation, be mindful of your rent payment schedule. If you’re living off-campus, consider sharing accommodation to reduce living costs.
Books and Learning Materials: Although NSFAS covers the cost of books and materials, ensure that you prioritize purchasing only the essential textbooks. Explore second-hand books or digital resources to save money.
Budgeting your NSFAS allowance as a student is key to ensuring that your financial support lasts throughout the month. Effective meal planning, grocery budgeting, and managing transport and accommodation costs can significantly reduce financial stress. By being disciplined with your spending and using your allowance wisely, you’ll be able to focus more on your studies and less on your financial worries.
Remember, NSFAS is a valuable resource, but it requires careful planning and budgeting to make the most of it. By applying these strategies, you’ll find it easier to live within your allowance and stay financially stable while studying.
