If you’re funded by NSFAS in 2025, it’s crucial to know when your allowances will be paid. Whether you’re budgeting for transport, food, or study materials, staying informed about NSFAS allowance payment dates can help you plan your year better.
Below is a breakdown of the confirmed NSFAS allowance payment schedule for 2025.
First Semester NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates
Students at all campuses can expect their allowances to be paid on the following dates during the first half of the academic year:
Cycle 1: Thursday, 06 February 2025
Cycle 2: Monday, 03 March 2025
Cycle 3: Tuesday, 01 April 2025
Cycle 4: Monday, 05 May 2025
Cycle 5: Monday, 02 June 2025
These NSFAS allowance payment dates will help students settle into the academic year by covering their basic needs such as accommodation, transport, food, and study materials.
Second Semester NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates
For the second semester, NSFAS has made a major change – they will take over the payment of allowances directly. Here are the NSFAS allowance payment dates to mark on your calendar:
Cycle 6: Monday, 07 July 2025
Cycle 7: Monday, 04 August 2025
Cycle 8: Monday, 01 September 2025
Cycle 9: Monday, 06 October 2025
Cycle 10 (Final Payment for 2025): Monday, 03 November 2025
This shift allows NSFAS to streamline the payment process, leading to more consistency and fewer delays. Previously, some students had to rely on their institutions for allowance disbursements, but this change aims to eliminate such gaps.
Types of NSFAS Allowances for 2025
The NSFAS provides different types of allowances to support students across various categories based on their accommodation type, location, and specific needs. Here is a breakdown of the NSFAS allowance types along with the corresponding allowances:
UNI Catered – Disability Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 69,633.00
Living Allowance: –
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: ZAR 3,167.00
Human Support: ZAR 52,000.00
Assistive Device: ZAR 54,080.00
UNI Catered – Disability Non-Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 60,273.00
Living Allowance: –
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: ZAR 3,167.00
Human Support: ZAR 52,000.00
Assistive Device: ZAR 54,080.00
UNI Catered – Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 65,993.00
Living Allowance: –
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: ZAR 3,167.00
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
UNI Catered – Non-Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 56,633.00
Living Allowance: –
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: ZAR 3,167.00
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
UNI Non-Catered – Disability Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 52,000.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 20,800.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: ZAR 52,000.00
Assistive Device: ZAR 54,080.00
UNI Non-Catered – Disability Non-Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 42,640.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 20,800.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: ZAR 52,000.00
Assistive Device: ZAR 54,080.00
UNI Non-Catered Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 52,000.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 17,160.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
UNI Non-Catered Non-Metro
Accommodation: ZAR 42,640.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 17,160.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
UNI Disability Transport
Accommodation: ZAR 20,800.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 8,190.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: ZAR 52,000.00
Assistive Device: ZAR 54,080.00
UNI Transport
Accommodation: ZAR 17,160.00
Living Allowance: ZAR 8,190.00
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: –
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
UNI Distance Learning / UNISA
Accommodation: –
Living Allowance: –
Travel Allowance: –
Personal Care Allowance: ZAR 3,167.00
Human Support: –
Assistive Device: –
These allowances are designed to assist students with their accommodation, travel, personal care, and, where applicable, specialized support such as human assistance or assistive devices for those with disabilities. The amounts may vary depending on the accommodation type, location (metro or non-metro), and specific needs of the student.
If you are an NSFAS beneficiary, it is essential to know your specific allowance type, as it will determine how much support you will receive for the year. This will help in budgeting and ensuring that you have enough funds to cover essential living costs while focusing on your academic goals.
Related: NSFAS N+Rule Explained: What It Means for Your 2025 Funding
Tips for Students
Set Reminders: Add the NSFAS allowance payment dates to your phone calendar so you’re always prepared and don’t miss any payments.
Budget Wisely: Make a detailed plan for how you’ll spend your allowance each month. This will help you avoid running out of funds before the next payment.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official NSFAS communication, as they may send updates or changes to payment schedules throughout the year.
2025 promises to be a smoother year for NSFAS students, especially with the new approach to managing second-semester payments directly. If you’re a student relying on NSFAS funding, ensure you’re aware of these key NSFAS allowance payment dates. Plan ahead, budget wisely, and use your funds efficiently to support your academic journey.
Stay organized, stay informed, and make the most out of your NSFAS allowance in 2025!
