How many times does NSFAS pay a year?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme plays an important role in supporting South African students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

It is essential that you understand the NSFAS payment schedule for budgeting and ensuring financial stability throughout the academic year.

How Often Does NSFAS Pay?

NSFAS follows a monthly payment schedule for living expenses during the academic year.

This means students can expect to receive an allowance every month, usually during the first week.

There might be slight variations depending on the specific university’s academic calendar.

However, the initial disbursement structure differs slightly.

At the beginning of the academic year, students might receive a larger upfront payment to cover:

Learning materials allowance: This one-time payment helps students purchase essential course materials like textbooks and stationery.
Living expenses allowance (for some months): NSFAS may disburse allowances for the first few months (e.g. February and March) in advance to assist with initial settling-in costs.

The exact date for the first NSFAS payment depends on your university’s academic calendar.

However, based on the 2024 academic year announcements, initial disbursements likely occurred in February or March 2024.

This might have included a learning materials allowance and living expenses for the first few months.

The final NSFAS payment for living expenses aligns with the end of the academic year at your institution.

This could be in November or December 2024, depending on your university’s specific schedule.

NSFAS generally does not disburse living expenses during university holidays.

However, some universities might have extended academic programs or semesters that continue during traditional break periods.

If you are enrolled in such programs, you might receive an NSFAS allowance for that period.

It’s advisable to consult your university’s financial aid office for clarification on their specific disbursement schedule during holidays.

If you haven’t received your NSFAS allowance by the expected date, there are a few steps you can take:

Check your bank statement: Ensure there haven’t been any delays or processing issues with your bank.
Contact your university’s financial aid office: They can verify your NSFAS funding status and investigate any potential delays in the disbursement process.
Contact NSFAS: You can reach NSFAS through their website or by calling their contact center at 0800 067 327.

NSFAS prioritizes covering tuition fees directly with universities.

However, you should confirm with your university’s financial aid office whether NSFAS covers all your registration fees.

Some institutions might have additional fees not covered by NSFAS, which you might be responsible for settling.

While NSFAS provides essential financial support, it’s important to remember it might not cover all your expenses.

These are some examples of costs not covered by NSFAS:

Personal expenses: This includes entertainment, clothing, and other discretionary spending.
Accommodation fees: NSFAS might contribute towards accommodation costs, but the exact amount depends on your funding category and living arrangements. You might need to pay additional fees directly to your residence provider.
Travel costs: While NSFAS provides a transport allowance, it might not cover all your travel expenses, especially if you live far from campus.
Medical expenses: NSFAS doesn’t cover medical bills or health insurance. It’s recommended to consider student health insurance options to manage unexpected medical costs.