How much does NSFAS give per student?

NSFAS is a South African government financial aid program that provides financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue higher education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

The amount of funding a student receives from NSFAS depends on several factors, including their study location, living situation, and course of study. 

Is NSFAS a bursary or a loan?

NSFAS funding is considered a bursary, not a loan.

This means that students do not need to repay the funds received as long as they meet the academic progress requirements set by NSFAS.

However, there are certain conditions attached to the funding, and students who fail to meet these conditions may be required to repay some or all of the money.

Does NSFAS cover accommodation for all students?

NSFAS funding for accommodation varies depending on several factors, including the type of institution a student attends (university or TVET college), their living situation (on-campus residence, off-campus private accommodation, or living with family), and their location (urban, peri-urban, or rural).

Students residing in on-campus residences have the full cost of their accommodation covered by NSFAS, up to a set limit determined by the specific institution.

For students living in private accommodation (off-campus or with family), NSFAS provides a fixed allowance that contributes towards the cost of rent or boarding.

The amount of this allowance varies depending on the location (urban areas receive a higher allowance than rural areas).

How Much Does NSFAS Give for Transport?

NSFAS provides a transport allowance to students who live further than 40 kilometers from their institution.

This allowance is intended to help students cover the cost of commuting to and from their place of study.

The transport allowance is a fixed annual amount, not a monthly disbursement.

What other NSFAS allowances are there?

In addition to accommodation and transport allowances, NSFAS also provides students with three other major allowances:

  1. Living Allowance: This allowance is intended to cover basic living expenses, such as food and toiletries. The annual living allowance is the same for all university students, regardless of location.
  2. Book Allowance: This allowance helps students purchase required textbooks and other learning materials. The annual book allowance is the same for all students.
  3. Personal Care Allowance: This allowance is intended to cover personal hygiene products and other miscellaneous expenses. Students residing in catered residences (where meals are provided) receive a lower personal care allowance than those living in self-catering residences or private accommodation.

How are NSFAS Allowances Calculated?

The exact amount of funding a student receives from NSFAS is determined by a needs-based assessment that considers several factors, including:

  1. The combined household income of the student’s family: Students from families with lower incomes will generally receive more funding.
  2. The type of institution the student attends (university or TVET college): TVET college students receive higher allowances for accommodation, particularly if they are living in an urban area.
  3. The student’s living situation (on-campus residence, off-campus private accommodation, or living with family): Students living in on-campus residences or private accommodation will receive a higher accommodation allowance than those living with family.
  4. The cost of living in the area where the student is studying: Students studying in urban areas with a higher cost of living will generally receive higher allowances.