How Much Is NSFAS Allowance Per Year?
How Much Is NSFAS Allowance Per Year?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers essential financial support to eligible South African students for the duration of their academic year, which lasts 10 months. The NSFAS allowance is designed to help cover various expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. The exact amount allocated depends on factors like the student’s living situation, the university they attend, and their specific needs.
For students residing in university-provided accommodation, the allowance tends to be higher to cover the full cost of residence. On the other hand, students living off-campus generally receive a lower allowance, as accommodation costs are reduced. The total annual NSFAS allowance can range from R29,000 to R100,000, based on the individual’s circumstances.
Additionally, students receive fixed amounts for transport, books, and daily living expenses. These allowances are typically disbursed during the first week of each month, ensuring that students have the financial support they need throughout the year. In this guide, we will outline the expected NSFAS allowance for 2026, explain what expenses are covered, and detail how the disbursements are made, so you can plan and manage your finances effectively during your studies.
NSFAS Allowance Amount Per Year
The NSFAS Allowance offers financial assistance to students, covering expenses such as tuition, registration fees, study materials, accommodation, and living costs. The amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and study materials are based on the latest DHET guidelines. NSFAS provides the following amounts to support educational expenses yearly:
University Allowances:
- Accommodation: Covered based on actual costs charged by the university (private accommodation costs should not exceed those of university residences).
- Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7,500 per year.
- Living Allowance: R15,000 per year.
- Book Allowance: R5,200 per year.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year for students in catered residences.
READ ALSO: How Many Months Is NSFAS For?
NSFAS TVET Colleges Allowances:
Accommodation:
- Urban area: R24,000 per year.
- Peri-urban area: R18,900 per year.
- Rural area: R15,750 per year.
- Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7,350 per year.
- Transport (other areas): R7,000 per year.
- Incidental/Personal Care Allowance: R2,900 per year.
NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates
University students will receive their allowances by the end of February, while TVET college students will receive theirs by March, provided that TVET colleges successfully upload registration information by February 28.
- Book Allowances: Calculated for the second half of the 2026 academic year.
- Accommodation Allowances: Covering the accommodation costs for the second month (March) of the 2026 academic year.
- Transport Allowances: Calculated for two months (February and March) of the 2026 academic year.
- Food Allowances: Set to cover two months (February and March) of the 2026 academic year.
- Personal Care Allowances: Set to cover two months (February and March) of the 2026 academic year.
How To Apply For NSFAS Allowances
Follow the steps below to apply online for NSFAS 2026;
- Create a profile:
Create a myNSFAS account via this link: https://my.nsfas.org.za/ or download the NSFAS App on Google Play or App Store. Your ID number will be your username.
- Apply now:
Click on the “Apply’ tab to update your personal information and upload your application supporting documents, as indicated.
- Complete:
Submit your application.
READ: Apply For NSFAS 2026-2027
Requirements To Apply For NSFAS Allowances
The following documents must be provided to apply for allowances offered by NSFAS;
- NSFAS Declaration Form
This form must be completed by the Principal of the School or a Social Worker for non-SASSA applicants.
- Orphan and Vulnerable Child Declaration Form
Required for applicants under 18 who are non-SASSA beneficiaries, to be completed by a Social Worker.
- NSFAS Consent Form
Must be signed by the applicant and/or their parent(s), guardian, or spouse. SASSA recipients do not need to submit this form.
- Proof of Legal Guardianship
If the applicant has a court-appointed legal guardian, official documentation from the Court is required.
- Non-Court-Appointed Guardianship
Applicants in this situation should submit the NSFAS Declaration Form instead.
- Disability Annexure Form
This form must be completed by a certified medical professional (such as a doctor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or head of a disability unit) to confirm the applicant’s disability status and the type of support required.
Contact NSFAS
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Instagram: @myNSFAS
- WhatsApp: +27 63 093 5671
- USSD:*120*67327#
Visit the official website of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme for more information. I hope the provided information is helpful, share your thoughts below in the comment section.
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