The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has officially announced an increase in student allowances for the 2025 academic year, marking the first adjustment in three years.
This decision comes as a response to the rising cost of living and ongoing socio-economic challenges faced by students.
Allowance increase confirmation
NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo confirmed the increase, emphasising that institutions can now proceed with finalising funding decisions:
“It allows institutions now to be able to load the registration data that enrolled a lot of students, we need to get the registration data so that we can finalise our funding decisions.”
Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane also confirmed the increase, stating:
“We have considered the cost of living which is very high as well as some of the socio-economic challenges that our people are facing every day, so we have decided, working closely with USAf and NSFAS as well as student formations, to adjust student allowances for this financial year to 4%.”
Additionally, TVET College students will receive a substantial increase in allowances, from R10,000 per annum to R14,600 per annum—a 46% increase.
“We are responding and we are deliberating our approach to respond to their needs,” Nkabane added.
Breakdown of NSFAS allowances for 2025
NSFAS provides financial aid to cover various expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, transport, and study materials. Here is a detailed breakdown of the allowances available in 2025:
1. Accommodation allowance
Students who do not live at home during their studies qualify for an accommodation allowance. This is capped at different rates for metro and non-metro areas.
- Institution-owned or leased accommodation: Capped annual allowance
- Accredited private accommodation: Capped annual allowance
- Institution-catered accommodation: Covers accommodation, living expenses, and personal care
- Health sciences students: Accommodation covered for 12 months
2. Living allowance
University students who do not live in catered residences receive a living allowance for food and other essentials. Distance-learning students with fewer than 60 credits do not qualify.
3. Accommodation and travel allowances
Students are eligible for either a travel or accommodation allowance, not both.
- Students living with family receive a transport allowance instead of an accommodation allowance.
- Those in institution-owned or leased accommodation get a capped accommodation allowance.
4. Learning materials allowance
All university students receive an annual learning materials allowance to purchase academic books, materials, or a learning device. The amount is based on the actual cost of prescribed learning materials.
NSFAS allowance payment Updates for 2025
University students
University students will continue receiving their NSFAS allowances through their universities rather than through direct bank payments. NSFAS had initially planned to introduce personal bank account payments but has postponed the change due to legal challenges.
- Payments will be made via universities in February 2025.
- NSFAS Bank Accounts: The system remains active for now, despite plans to phase it out.
TVET college students
TVET students will have their allowances paid directly to their personal bank accounts in 2025, ensuring quicker and more secure payments.
Provisional funding and next steps
NSFAS has provisionally funded 800,000 students for the 2025 academic year. Their funding will be finalised once registration data is confirmed, after which payment processes will begin.
This long-awaited increase aims to ease the financial strain on students while ensuring they receive the necessary support for their academic success.
How to Check Your NSFAS Application Status
To verify your NSFAS application or funding status for 2025:
1. Visit the NSFAS website
2. Click on the “myNSFAS” portal.
3. Log in using your registered email address and password.
4. Navigate to the “Track Application Progress” or “Application Status” tab to view your current status.
