The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has released the official breakdown of monthly allowance payments for the 2025 academic year. These payments aim to support financially eligible students enrolled at South Africa’s public universities and TVET colleges by covering expenses such as accommodation, meals, travel, and learning materials.
Here’s a detailed guide to what NSFAS will pay students in 2025.
NSFAS Allowances for TVET College Students in 2025
The Department of Higher Education and Training confirmed that TVET College allowances will increase from R10,000 to R14,600 in 2025 — a 46% rise.
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months (students who don’t qualify receive a transport allowance):
- Catered Residence (Metro): R6,599
- Catered Residence (Non-metro): R5,663
- Non-Catered Residence (Metro): R5,200
- Non-Catered Residence (Non-metro): R4,264
- Students with disabilities in Catered (Metro): R6,963
- Students with disabilities in Catered (Non-metro): R6,027
- Students with disabilities in Non-Catered (Metro): R5,200
- Students with disabilities in Non-Catered (Non-metro): R4,264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months (select students only):
- Students in Non-Catered (Non-metro): R1,716
- Students with disabilities in Non-Catered (Metro and Non-metro): R2,080
- Transport recipients: R1,716
- Transport recipients with disabilities: R2,080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months:
- March 2025: R802
Personal Care Allowance
Only for students in catered residences:
- Monthly: R316
NSFAS Allowances for University Students in 2025
Learning Material Allowance
Paid once-off at the start of the year:
- Standard: R5,678
- Students with disabilities: R6,240
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months (or receive a transport allowance):
- Catered Residence (Metro): R6,599
- Catered Residence (Non-metro): R5,663
- Non-Catered Residence (Metro): R5,200
- Non-Catered Residence (Non-metro): R4,264
- Students with disabilities in Catered (Metro): R6,963
- Students with disabilities in Catered (Non-metro): R6,027
- Students with disabilities in Non-Catered (Metro): R5,200
- Students with disabilities in Non-Catered (Non-metro): R4,264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months:
- Standard: R1,716
- Students with disabilities: R2,080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly for 10 months:
- April 2025: R819
Personal Care Allowance
Only for students in catered residences:
- Monthly: R316
NSFAS Loans: What’s Covered?
Students funded through NSFAS loans will only receive:
- Accommodation allowance
- Learning material allowance
Allowance Payment Method in 2025
University students will receive their NSFAS allowances directly from their institutions, while TVET college students will get payments via their bank accounts, continuing the process started in 2024.
Tip: Make sure your registration and banking details are up to date on the myNSFAS portal to avoid payment delays.
Stay informed by visiting nsfas.org.za and following verified updates.