How much does NSFAS pay in the first month?

If you’re an NSFAS recipient dealing with the specifics of your funding can be confusing, particularly regarding the first month’s payment.

This article aims to explain the process and answer the question about how much NSFAS pays in the first month.

The NSFAS Payment Structure

NSFAS funding comprises two main components: tuition fees and allowances.

Tuition fees are paid directly to your institution, while allowances cover living expenses like accommodation, transport, learning materials, and personal care.

The amount you receive in the first month depends on the disbursement method employed by your institution.

There are two primary disbursement channels for NSFAS allowances:

  1. University disbursement: This is the traditional method where your university receives a lump sum from NSFAS and then distributes allowances to students.
  2. Direct NSFAS disbursement: Introduced in 2024, NSFAS now disburses living and transport allowances directly to students via appointed partners in specific months.

How much does NSFAS pay in the first month?

The first month of the academic year (typically February) can differ slightly from the rest due to upfront payments for specific allowances.

Here’s a breakdown:

  1. University disbursement:
    • You’ll likely receive allowances for February and March living expenses.
    • Half of your annual book allowance might be paid in the first month.
    • Registration fees are typically waived for NSFAS students, so you won’t need to worry about that initial expense.
  2. Direct NSFAS disbursement:
    • This system began in April 2024. If your university participates, you won’t receive allowances for February and March through them.
    • Living expenses for April onwards will be directly deposited by NSFAS.

When are NSFAS allowances paid?

NSFAS allowances are usually paid during the first week of each month, spread over ten months during the academic year (excluding holidays).

However, the disbursement process for the first few months of the 2024 academic year differs slightly due to the shift to direct payments by NSFAS.

Refer to your institution’s financial aid office for specific payment dates.

What is the difference between NSFAS allowances and tuition fees?

NSFAS allowances are intended to help students manage living expenses, while tuition fees cover the cost of your academic program.

Allowances are paid directly to students, while tuition fees are paid to your institution.

How much does NSFAS pay for accommodation?

The amount NSFAS allocates for accommodation varies depending on your location, institution type, and living arrangements.

Generally, allowances for off-campus housing are higher than on-campus options.

You can find specific details regarding accommodation allowances on the NSFAS website or by contacting your institution’s financial aid office.

Does NSFAS pay for registration fees?

No, NSFAS does not directly pay for registration fees.

However, universities/colleges are required to allow NSFAS-funded students to register without paying registration fees upfront.

The registration fees are then settled by NSFAS as part of the upfront tuition payment.

How much does NSFAS pay for living expenses?

The living expense allowance varies depending on your study location (urban, peri-urban, or rural) and whether you reside in institutional accommodation.

The annual rates are typically:

  1. University: R15,000 per year
  2. TVET College: Between R15,750 (rural) and R24,000 (urban) per year

The first month’s disbursement (February or April) will reflect a pro-rated amount based on the monthly breakdown.

When does NSFAS pay for books and learning materials?

Universities normally receive a lump sum for book allowances, which they then distribute to students.

You might receive half of your annual book allowance (around R2,600) in the first month through university disbursement.

How do I know which disbursement method my university uses?

The best way to determine your university’s disbursement method is to contact their financial aid office directly.

They can provide you with specific details about your payment schedule.

What if I don’t receive my NSFAS allowance in the first month?

If you haven’t received your allowance by the expected date (typically the first week of the month), here are some steps you can take:

  1. Check with your university’s financial aid office to confirm if payments have been processed.
  2. Ensure your bank details are accurate in the NSFAS system (applicable for direct NSFAS disbursement).
  3. Contact the NSFAS helpline at 0800 067 323 for further assistance.