The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has finalized and released the 2025 allowance structure for both universities and TVET colleges. In coordination with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the allowance caps are now active, ensuring smoother implementation for the current academic year.
With new financial limits, scheduled payments, and an urgent reminder for appeal submissions, students are advised to stay informed to receive their benefits without delays.
Revised University Allowance Structure for 2025
For the 2025 academic cycle, the following are the maximum approved allowances for university students:
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Books: R5,678 (R6,240 for students with disabilities)
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Accommodation: R42,640 to R69,633 depending on metro status and disability
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Living Allowance (non-catered only): R17,160 to R20,800
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Travel Allowance (transport students): R8,190
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Personal Care Allowance: R3,167
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Assistive Device Allowance (for students with disabilities): R54,080
Institutions that wish to offer payments exceeding these limits must obtain written approval from NSFAS before doing so.
Allowance Caps for TVET College Students
Students enrolled in TVET colleges will receive the following allowances in 2025:
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Accommodation: Up to R69,633 for catered disability students in metro areas
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Living Allowance: R17,160 to R20,800 based on eligibility
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Travel Allowance (for transport students): Up to R8,027
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Personal Care Allowance: R3,167
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Assistive Device (Disability): R54,080
Amounts marked with an asterisk apply only to qualified non-catered students.
Payment Dates and Registration Upload Schedule
The second upfront payment for universities was released in the first week of March 2025. Payments for TVET colleges began on March 7, with a follow-up run on March 14 for those who submitted valid registrations by March 10.
Institutions must upload student registration data and meet the following cut-off dates to avoid delay in fund distribution:
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March 31, 2025: Payment for students registered by March 14
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April 30, 2025: Payment for data uploaded by April 16
The full 2025 payment schedule includes 11 payment runs between January and November.
Urgent Appeal Document Submission Notice
Students who have appealed their NSFAS applications for 2025 must submit all required supporting documents within 30 days of receiving their application result. Failure to meet this deadline may result in delays or rejection of funding.
FAQs
What is the maximum accommodation allowance for university students in 2025?
The approved accommodation cap is up to R69,633 for catered students with disabilities in metro areas.
When was the second upfront payment made to universities?
It was processed during the week of March 3, 2025, to ensure March allowances were disbursed by March 7.
Are TVET college students included in the 2025 NSFAS payments?
Yes, initial TVET payments started on March 7, with additional disbursements on March 14 based on valid registration uploads.
What is the personal care allowance amount?
Eligible students receive a personal care allowance of R3,167.
Is approval required for institutions to exceed allowance caps?
Yes, any payments beyond the approved allowance limits require written NSFAS approval.
How can students ensure they receive their payments on time?
By confirming valid registration with their institution and ensuring their data is uploaded before each payment run’s cut-off date.
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