NSFAS Allowances Explained: What You Get and How Much
NSFAS provides more than just tuition fees. Qualifying students receive allowances for accommodation, food, transport, and study materials. Here is exactly what you get and how much.
Key Takeaways
- NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and study materials
- Allowance amounts differ for students living on-campus vs off-campus
- Allowances are paid directly to students or service providers
- You must maintain academic progress to keep receiving NSFAS
- NSFAS is a bursary (not a loan) for students who qualify
Tuition and registration fees
NSFAS pays tuition and registration fees directly to your institution. You do not need to pay these yourself. The amount covers the full cost of your approved qualification.
- Full tuition fees covered
- Registration fees covered
- Paid directly to the institution
- Covers the full qualification, not just one year
- Subject to academic progress requirements
Living allowances
NSFAS provides monthly living allowances for accommodation, food, transport, and study materials. The amounts depend on whether you live on-campus, off-campus, or at home.
- Accommodation: up to R45,000/year (off-campus)
- Food allowance: R15,000/year
- Transport: R7,500/year (if not on campus)
- Study materials: R5,200/year
- Personal care: R2,900/year
How allowances are paid
NSFAS allowances are paid monthly into your bank account or via a NSFAS wallet. Accommodation may be paid directly to your landlord or residence. Keep your banking details updated on the NSFAS portal.
- Monthly payments to your bank account
- NSFAS wallet option available
- Accommodation may go directly to landlord
- Keep banking details updated on myNSFAS portal
- Payments start once registration is confirmed
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the NSFAS Eligibility Checker