In response to the rising cost of living and growing pressure from student organisations, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially confirmed a 4% increase in allowances for the 2025 academic year. The updated support will help thousands of university and TVET college students manage essential costs such as meals, accommodation, and transport.
With these changes, NSFAS aims to ease the financial burden on students from low-income households while improving access to education and learning resources.
What’s New in 2025 NSFAS Allowance Hike?
Here’s a breakdown of the updated monthly and annual allowances under NSFAS for 2025:
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Meal/Living Allowance: R2,200 per month (R26,400 annually) for university students
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Accommodation (Urban): Up to R66,000 annually
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Accommodation (Rural): Up to R54,000 annually
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Transport Allowance: R875 per month (R10,500 annually)
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Learning Materials Allowance: Once-off payment of R6,000
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Personal Care Allowance: R350 per month
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Disability Support Allowance: Up to R10,000 depending on individual needs
NSFAS Allowance for 2025
University Students
| Allowance Type | Monthly Rate | Annual Cap | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | R2,200 | R26,400 | For students not in catered residences |
| Accommodation (Urban) | – | R66,000 | Based on location and proof of rental |
| Accommodation (Rural) | – | R54,000 | For students staying in rural zones |
| Transport Allowance | R875 | R10,500 | For students living within 40km of campus |
| Learning Materials | – | R6,000 | Once-off for books/devices |
| Personal Care | R350 | R4,200 | For daily academic essentials |
| Disability Support | – | Up to R10,000 | Based on documented medical needs |
TVET College Students
| Allowance Type | Monthly Rate | Annual Cap | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Allowance | R1,900 | R22,800 | Provided for all eligible TVET learners |
| Campus Accommodation | – | R42,000 | For those staying in college residences |
| Private Accommodation | – | R48,000 | Requires lease verification |
| Transport Allowance | R700 | R8,400 | For off-campus students |
| Learning Materials | – | R4,500 | Once-off annual support |
| Personal Care | R300 | R3,600 | For personal and study needs |
| Disability Support | – | Up to R8,000 | Assistance for students with special needs |
Payment Timelines and Key Details
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Monthly payments will be released on the 29th of each month starting April 2025.
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Funds will be deposited directly into the student’s verified bank account.
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Students must update bank details and lease information where applicable.
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The learning materials allowance is paid once a year, early in the academic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new NSFAS allowance take effect?
The increased allowances begin in April 2025, with disbursements scheduled monthly.
Will I automatically receive the increased allowance?
Yes, if you’re already approved and funded by NSFAS, you don’t need to reapply. Just ensure your registration and bank details are accurate.
What documents are required for the accommodation allowance?
You’ll need to submit a valid lease agreement or confirmation from your institution’s housing office.
Is the learning materials allowance for laptops too?
Yes, it can be used for textbooks or approved devices necessary for your course.
What if I’m a TVET student? Will I get the same increases?
TVET students will receive adjusted allowances based on their type of accommodation and eligibility. These are slightly lower than those for university students but have also increased.
Can I get both transport and accommodation allowances?
No, NSFAS offers either transport or accommodation allowance—not both. Your eligibility depends on whether you live on or off-campus.
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