The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially announced an increase to the NSFAS transport allowance 2025, set to roll out in July. This change comes as part of a wider bursary update aimed at supporting students facing rising transport and living costs across South Africa. As public transportation fees surge, especially in urban and peri-urban regions, this increment will provide meaningful relief to thousands of students relying on NSFAS support to access higher education.
What’s Changing in the Transport Allowance?
Starting from July 1st, 2025, eligible students living more than 10 kilometers from their institution will see a significant bump in their monthly transport allowance. NSFAS has adjusted this benefit to align with inflation and the national average in commuting costs, acknowledging the reality that many students spend a large chunk of their bursary on getting to and from campus.
Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming changes:
| Category | Current Allowance (Until June 2025) | New Allowance (From July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Transport Allowance | R875 | R1,050 |
| Annual Total (10 Months) | R8,750 | R10,500 |
This move will impact both TVET and university students under the NSFAS umbrella, reflecting the program’s commitment to evolving economic demands and ensuring equitable access.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
The decision to enhance the NSFAS transport allowance 2025 isn’t arbitrary. A June 2025 cost analysis from the Department of Higher Education revealed that most students spend up to 30% of their living allowance on travel alone. For students living off-campus or in transit-heavy areas, the struggle to attend classes regularly due to cost constraints has been a long-standing issue.
This increase is also part of the broader student help strategy to improve academic outcomes. By reducing absenteeism linked to unaffordable travel, NSFAS aims to bolster student retention and graduation rates — a national priority.
Who Qualifies for the New Allowance?
Eligibility for the upgraded transport allowance remains consistent with NSFAS’s general criteria. To qualify, students must:
- Be enrolled at a public university or TVET college
- Reside more than 10km from their academic institution
- Not be receiving accommodation allowance simultaneously
- Have an active, approved NSFAS funding status
Students are advised to verify their personal and banking information via the NSFAS online portal to ensure timely disbursements come July.
How to Prepare for the July 2025 Adjustment
Students and institutions should act now to prepare for this adjustment. NSFAS will begin communicating updates through campus financial aid offices and official social media channels throughout June. It’s recommended that students:
- Update contact details on the NSFAS portal
- Recheck their eligibility and bursary package
- Monitor email and SMS notifications from NSFAS
Institutions are also encouraged to streamline internal processing to accommodate the higher allowance cap efficiently.
Conclusion
The mid-year increase to the NSFAS transport allowance 2025 represents a responsive step in addressing real economic barriers faced by students. As tuition support expands to include realistic, inflation-aware transport assistance, this bursary update reinforces NSFAS’s evolving mission — to level the educational playing field. July marks not just a new payment cycle, but a renewed commitment to accessible education.
FAQs
What is the new NSFAS transport allowance starting July 2025?
From July 2025, eligible students will receive R1,050 monthly, up from the previous R875.
Will the transport allowance affect other NSFAS benefits?
No. However, students receiving accommodation benefits cannot also claim the transport allowance.
Do students need to reapply for the updated allowance?
No reapplication is necessary, but eligibility and personal details must be up to date.
What if I live less than 10km from campus?
Students within 10km of their institution do not qualify for the transport allowance.
Where can I confirm my eligibility for the transport allowance?
Log in to your NSFAS profile at www.nsfas.org.za and check your bursary details or consult your financial aid office.
Click here to know more.
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