NSFAS provides financial support to eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. This guide explains the latest NSFAS allowance amounts, payment rules, eligibility criteria and spending restrictions for funded students in 2025.
✅ What Allowances Does NSFAS Pay?
Allowances are designed to cover the major costs of studying:
- Accommodation (on/off campus)
- Learning Materials / Book Allowance
- Living Allowance (food, transport, personal costs)
- Incidental & Transport Allowances (TVET)
💰 2025 NSFAS Allowance Amounts — Universities
| Allowance Type | Amount (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Up to R61,500 (capped per region) |
| Living Allowance | R1,650 per month |
| Learning Materials Allowance | R5,460 per year |
🎓 2025 NSFAS Allowances — TVET Colleges
| Allowance Type | Amount (Annual) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Up to R41,000 (urban) |
| Transport Allowance | Up to R7,718 |
| Incidental/Personal Allowance | R3,045 yearly |
📌 Important Allowance Rules
- Paid via NSFAS Bank Account monthly
- You must meet academic progression requirements
- Funds cannot be used for alcohol, gambling or cash withdrawals exceeding limits
- Fraud may lead to funding cancellation
📞 Problems With Allowances?
If you did not receive your allowance:
- Check payment status in your NSFAS account
- Ensure banking details are verified
- Visit campus Financial Aid Office
📌 Disclaimer
MyInfoHub is an independent information website and is not affiliated with NSFAS or the Department of Higher Education. All information is sourced from publicly available government documentation and may change at any time. Students should always confirm the latest allowance rules on the official NSFAS website at www.nsfas.org.za or contact their institution’s Financial Aid Office.
Last updated: November 2025