How many months does NSFAS give an allowance?

NSFAS provides financial support for many South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

One of the main components of this support is the living allowance, which helps students cover their basic needs throughout the academic year.

But for those applying or receiving NSFAS funding, a common question is: how many months does NSFAS actually give an allowance?

How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowances For?

Typically, NSFAS distributes living allowances to qualifying students for 10 months during the academic year.

This disbursement usually starts in April and continues until January of the following year.

There can be slight variations depending on the specific institution and chosen payment method (university vs. direct payment partners).

This is the standard NSFAS allowance payment schedule:

  1. February and March: These allowances might be paid directly by the university in some cases, particularly for students who received NSFAS funding before 2024.
  2. April onwards: For the 2024 academic year, NSFAS has implemented a new system where living allowances for April onwards are distributed through their appointed direct payment partners.
  3. May – July: Universities will still handle disbursements for living expenses, transport, and learning materials allowances for these months.

Does NSFAS Pay Allowances During Holidays?

No, NSFAS allowances are not distributed during academic breaks or holidays.

The 10-month disbursement period aligns with the typical university academic calendar.

What Happens if My Course Runs Longer Than 10 Months?

For programs exceeding 10 months, such as some medical degrees, NSFAS funding may be extended to cover the additional duration.

However, it’s important to maintain academic progress to qualify for continued support.

When Will I Receive My NSFAS Allowances?

Allowances are usually paid during the first week of each designated month.

The specific dates might vary slightly depending on the payment method (university or direct partner) and any processing timelines.

How Much is the NSFAS Living Allowance?

The amount of the living allowance depends on several factors, including your institution type (university or TVET college), your living situation (on-campus residence or off-campus), and your location (urban, peri-urban, or rural).

You can find a detailed breakdown of the current allowance structure on the NSFAS website.

What Other Allowances Does NSFAS Provide?

In addition to the living allowance, NSFAS also offers other forms of financial support, such as:

  1. Learning materials allowance: This helps cover the cost of textbooks and other essential study materials.
  2. Transport allowance: This contributes to transportation expenses to and from your educational institution.
  3. Personal care allowance: This provides a small stipend for toiletries and other personal necessities (applicable only to students in catered residences).

How Can I Check the Status of My NSFAS Allowance Payment?

There are a few ways to check the status of your NSFAS allowance payment:

  1. University portal: If your university handles your allowances, you can likely check the disbursement status through your student portal.
  2. NSFAS MyNSFAS account: If you’re receiving allowances through NSFAS’s direct payment partners, you can log in to your MyNSFAS account for updates.
  3. NSFAS contact center: You can contact the NSFAS contact center at 0800 067 327 for assistance with inquiries about your allowance payments.

How Do I Check My NSFAS Allowance Balance?

Students receiving allowances through universities can usually check their balances through their university’s student portal.

For those receiving direct payments, information on balance inquiries will be provided by NSFAS’s appointed partners.

What if I Don’t Receive My NSFAS Allowance?

If you haven’t received your allowance after the expected payment date, it’s important for you to follow up.

Contact your university’s financial aid office if you receive allowances through them.

If you’re part of the direct payment system, contact NSFAS or their designated partners for assistance.