Does NSFAS pay for the whole year?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a vital resource for many South African students.

It provides financial assistance to cover the costs of their education. 

Provided you meet the eligibility criteria and academic progress requirements, NSFAS funding covers the entire academic year.

This includes both semesters which usually runs from February to June and July to November.

Does NSFAS Pay for Registration Fees?

Yes. NSFAS funding covers the full cost of tuition and registration fees for approved students.

This ensures a barrier-free entry point to your studies, allowing you to focus on your academic pursuits without financial constraints.

What Allowances Does NSFAS Provide?

Beyond tuition and registration, NSFAS offers additional allowances to cover various living expenses associated with your studies.

The specific amount and type of allowance you receive depend on your study location (university or TVET college) and living situation.

Here are some of the typical allowances:

  1. Book allowance: This helps offset the cost of textbooks and other learning materials.
  2. Accommodation allowance: If you live off-campus, this allowance contributes towards rent or other housing expenses. On-campus students typically receive a reduced allowance as some living costs might be bundled with their accommodation fees.
  3. Transport allowance: This allowance helps cover the cost of commuting to and from your institution.
  4. Living allowance: This provides financial support for food and other personal care items.
  5. Disability allowance: NSFAS offers additional support for students with disabilities to cater to their specific needs.

NSFAS funding does not cover any outstanding balances, fines, medical fees, or personal spending unrelated to your studies.

When Does NSFAS Pay Allowances?

NSFAS disburses allowances in installments throughout the academic year.

Typically, you can expect to receive your allowance during the first week of each month over a period of 10 months, spanning February to November.

This aligns with the academic calendar and ensures you have access to regular financial support throughout your studies.

For the 2024 academic year, there was a slight adjustment due to delays in receiving registration data from universities.

NSFAS made an upfront payment to institutions in January to cover book allowances and one month of accommodation costs.

Universities then handled the February and March allowance payments directly, while direct payments on the NSFAS platform commenced in April and continue for the remaining months.

It’s always a good practice to stay updated on the latest payment schedule by checking the NSFAS website or contacting your institution’s financial aid office.

What Happens If My NSFAS Funding Stops?

NSFAS funding is not guaranteed indefinitely. To ensure continued support, you need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.

This involves passing a minimum number of modules each semester.

The specific requirements might vary depending on your program, so it’s important to consult your institution’s academic regulations and the NSFAS website for detailed information.

If your funding stops due to academic performance, NSFAS will notify you of the reason and outline the steps you need to take to regain eligibility.

This might involve improving your grades or participating in academic support programs offered by your institution.

How Do I Contact NSFAS for Help?

NSFAS has dedicated channels to address your inquiries and concerns. These are some ways to get in touch:

  1. NSFAS Website: The NSFAS website offers a comprehensive FAQ section and various online resources. You can also submit inquiries through the website’s contact form.
  2. NSFAS Contact Centre: Call the NSFAS Contact Centre at 0800 00 NSFAS (0800 00 67327) for assistance with your application, funding status, or any other queries.
  3. Social Media: NSFAS is active on social media platforms like Twitter (@myNSFAS) and Facebook (@NationalStudentFinancialAidScheme). You can send them a direct message or post your inquiry publicly (depending on the sensitivity of your question).