The amount NSFAS gives for student allowances depends on several factors: the type of institution (university or TVET college), your accommodation type (catered residence, self-catering, private, or living with relatives), and whether you qualify for disability support. Below is a detailed breakdown of the allowance caps for the current academic year.
How Much Does NSFAS Give For Allowances (Current Academic Year)
Overview of Allowance Categories
NSFAS provides funding for the following allowance categories:
– Tuition fees (paid directly to the institution)
– Registration fees (paid directly to the institution)
– Accommodation allowance (varies by university, residence type, and location)
– Living allowance (for food and daily expenses)
– Learning materials allowance (books and study materials)
– Personal care allowance (incidental/personal expenses)
– Travel/transport allowance (for students commuting up to 40km)
– Assistive devices and human support (for students with disabilities)
Current Allowance Caps for University Students
Based on the approved allowance caps for the current academic year, here are the amounts NSFAS provides for university students:
| Allowance Type | Non-Catered Students (Metro) | Non-Catered Students (Non-Metro) | Catered Students (Metro) | Catered Students (Non-Metro) | Students with Disabilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learning Materials | R5,678 | R5,678 | R5,678 | R5,678 | R6,240 |
| Living Allowance (annual) | R17,160 | R17,160 | — | — | R20,800 |
| Accommodation (annual) | R52,000 | R42,640 | R65,993 | R56,633 | R52,000 – R69,633 |
| Personal Care (annual) | — | — | R3,167 | R3,167 | R3,167 |
| Travel Allowance | Varies (commuting students) | Varies | — | — | — |
| Human Support (annual) | — | — | — | — | R52,000 |
| Assistive Device | — | — | — | — | R54,080 |
Key Notes on University Allowances
Living Allowance: This applies only to non-catered students (students who do not receive meals from their residence). In the current academic year, non-catered students receive R17,160 per annum. Students with disabilities in non-catered accommodation receive R20,800 per annum.
Personal Care Allowance: This applies only to catered students (R3,167 per annum). Students with disabilities also receive this allowance.
Accommodation Allowance: The amount depends on whether you are in a metro or non-metro area and whether your residence is catered or self-catering. For students in private accredited accommodation, the accommodation allowance cannot exceed the university’s own residence costs.
Learning Materials (Book Allowance): All university students receive R5,678 per annum for learning materials. Students with disabilities receive R6,240 per annum.
Travel Allowance: Students who commute from home (living with relatives) and whose home address is up to 40km from the institution qualify for a travel allowance of R7,500 per annum.
Current Allowance Caps for TVET College Students
TVET college students receive different allowance structures based on accommodation type and distance from the institution.
| Accommodation Type | Allowance Type | Amount (Per Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| College-owned catered residence | Accommodation only | R54,045 |
| College-owned self-catered residence | Accommodation + Living allowance + Personal care | R45,000 + R6,000 + R3,045 |
| Private accredited accommodation | Accommodation + Living allowance + Personal care | R45,000 + R6,000 + R3,045 |
| Living with relatives (within 10km) | Living allowance + Personal care + Travel | R6,000 + R3,045 + R7,718 |
| Living with relatives (11–40km) | Travel allowance only | R7,350 per annum |
| Peri-urban private accommodation | Accommodation | R18,900 per annum |
| Rural private accommodation | Accommodation | R15,750 per annum |
| Urban private accommodation | Accommodation | R24,000 per annum |
Key Notes on TVET Allowances
Living allowance: TVET students in self-catering accommodation receive R6,000 per annum.
Personal care allowance: TVET students receive R3,045 per annum.
Travel allowance: TVET students commuting up to 40km receive R7,350 per annum.
Incidental/personal care allowance (all TVET students): R2,900 per annum.
Disability Allowances
Students with disabilities qualify for additional support beyond the standard allowances.
| Allowance Type | Maximum Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Assistive Device | R50,000 | Once off (over duration of studies) |
| Repairs & Maintenance | R2,000 | Per academic year |
| Human Support | R50,000 | Per academic year |
| Assessment Costs | R2,000 | Once off |
Assistive Device Allowance: Students may qualify for an assistive device (e.g., screen reader, wheelchair, hearing aid) if required by a medical report approved by the institution’s Disability Unit and NSFAS. The allowance is limited to R50,000 as a once-off allowance over the duration of studies.
Human Support Allowance: University students may qualify for human support (e.g., sign language interpreter, scribe, tutor) if required for access to teaching and learning resources. The allowance is limited to R50,000 per academic year.
Repairs and Maintenance: Students qualify for up to R2,000 per academic year for repairs and maintenance of assistive devices as a result of normal wear and tear.
Assessment Costs: Students qualify for up to R2,000 (once-off) for assessments requested by the Disability Unit to determine teaching and learning support requirements.
How Allowances Are Paid
Upfront Allowance Payments
At the beginning of the academic year, NSFAS issues an upfront payment covering:
– One month of accommodation allowance
– One month of living allowance (for non-catered students)
– The full book allowance (learning materials)
– One month of personal care allowance (for catered students and students with disabilities)
Payment Methods
University students: Allowances are paid either directly to the student’s bank account or through the university’s allowance payment process, depending on NSFAS’s determination.
TVET college students: Beneficiaries receive their allowances directly into their bank accounts. Payments are not made to third-party or institutional accounts.
Living with Relatives
Students who live with relatives (not in private accommodation) receive a learning materials allowance and a living allowance, but do not receive an accommodation allowance.
Special Allowance Categories
Transitional and Safety-Net Allowances
Some universities have implemented transitional allowances to assist students while NSFAS guidelines are being finalised. These may be paid early in the academic year based on previous caps.
Upfront Payment Timing
According to NSFAS, an upfront payment covering the full book allowance, a month of meals, accommodation, personal care, and travel allowances is typically scheduled for early in the academic year, around the start of the academic calendar.
Summary Table: University vs. TVET Allowances
| Allowance Type | University Amount | TVET Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Materials (Books) | R5,678 – R6,240 | Included in tuition |
| Living Allowance (Non-Catered) | R17,160 – R20,800 | R6,000 |
| Personal Care (Catered) | R3,167 | R3,045 |
| Accommodation Self-Catering | R42,640 – R52,000 | R45,000 – R54,045 |
| Accommodation Catered | R56,633 – R65,993 | R54,045 |
| Travel (Commuting) | R7,500 | R7,350 |
| Incidental Allowance | — | R2,900 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does NSFAS pay allowances for the full 12 months?
A: No. Living allowances are typically paid only for the months you are registered as a student and actively attending classes. The academic year is generally 10 months (excluding December and January holidays).
Q: How do I know if I qualify for metro or non-metro rates?
A: Your institution determines whether your campus location is classified as metro or non-metro based on NSFAS guidelines. Check with your university’s financial aid office for clarification.
Q: When will I receive my first allowance payment?
A: Upfront allowance payments are typically made early in the academic year, around the start of the academic calendar. Subsequent payments depend on your institution’s disbursement schedule.
Q: Can I receive the travel allowance if I live in residence?
A: No. The travel allowance is only for students who live with relatives and commute to campus from their home address. If you live in university residence or private accommodation, you receive the accommodation allowance instead.
Q: How do I get the assistive device allowance?
A: You must submit a medical report from a registered medical professional and have it approved by your institution’s Disability Unit and NSFAS. The request must be relevant to your disability and required for accessing teaching and learning resources.
Q: Are these allowances paid as a lump sum or monthly?
A: Allowances are typically disbursed in instalments throughout the academic year, though the schedule varies by institution. The upfront payment at the start of the year covers the first month of living/accommodation allowances plus the full book allowance.
Q: Can I live in private accommodation and still get NSFAS funding?
A: Yes, but the private accommodation must be accredited by NSFAS and approved by your institution. The accommodation allowance for private accommodation cannot exceed the cost of university residence.
Related:
- NSFAS Required Documents Needed
- How Do I Upload NSFAS Supporting Documents
- NSFAS Banking Details
- How To Check Your NSFAS Balance
- NSFAS Funding/Bursary Requirements
Conclusion
NSFAS provides comprehensive allowance support to eligible students, with amounts varying based on institution type, accommodation choice, and disability status. For the current academic year, non-catered university students receive R17,160 for living allowance and R5,678 for learning materials. Catered university students receive R3,167 for personal care allowance. TVET students receive R6,000 living allowance and R3,045 personal care allowance in self-catering accommodation. Students with disabilities qualify for additional support including assistive devices up to R50,000 and human support up to R50,000 per year.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to your institution, contact your university’s Financial Aid Office or visit the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za.
Disclaimer: Allowance amounts are based on the most recent NSFAS caps for the current academic year and are subject to change. Always verify current rates with your institution’s financial aid office.