How Much Does NSFAS Pay University Students?

By Klenam JU •  Updated: 03/13/23 •  4 min read

For university students in South Africa interested in seeking financial support from the scheme, one of the important questions relates to the monetary worth of financial support accessible through the scheme. In this article, we will be looking at how much does NSFAS pay university students with other pertinent issues.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

How much do university students get from NSFAS?

University students receive support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, in the form of allowances disbursed monthly upon approval of financial support application. A comprehensive schedule of allowances is illustrated below:

Living allowance

Travel allowance

Study materials

Incidental Allowance

Amount per month – 241

Amount per annum – 2900

Accommodation

A host of factors determines the amount received for accommodation. These factors include the student’s institution, location, and type of housing unit. For instance, students enrolled for studies at Stellenbosch University can expect to receive a maximum rate of 5970 South Africa Rand. This rate, however, applies to students living in private housing units. 

These allowances totaled around 34,250 South African Rand per annum.

How much does NSFAS give university students per month in 2023?

University students typically receive the following monthly allowances from the NSFAS:

With the inclusion of accommodation allowance, the financial worth of financial support received from the NSFAS every month can total up to 8,519 South Africa Rand.

How much is the NSFAS allowance for university students per year?

Students enrolled at an accredited public university in South Africa can expect to receive up to 34,250 South Africa Rand from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in allowances. These allowances cover personal maintenance, transportation, study materials, and housing. However, these allowances are not automatically guaranteed by being a student and must be applied for. Applications for NSFAS funding are typically made at the scheme’s website, www.nsfas.org.za. Students can lodge their applications using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Alternatively, applications can also be submitted to the NSFAS through a National Youth Development (NYDA) or Thursong Centre location.

Students enrolled for studies at private universities are excluded from accessing financial support from the NSFAS. However, before applying, students must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility requirements stipulated by the scheme. Such requirements mandate that applicants have excellent academic records, hold South African citizenship, and can demonstrate financial need as well.

What does NSFAS cover for university students?

Allowances provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, cover a number of expenses and financial obligations incurred in the course of studies at a public South African university. Expenses covered by these allowances include the following:

Expenses Tuition and registration fees: As a form of financial aid scheme, the NSFAS facilitates the ability of economically disadvantaged and less privileged students in public South African universities to cover tuition and registration fees.

Accommodation: Allowances cover or offer support for housing costs for students whose aid applications are approved. The rate of allowance received is contingent on a host of factors, including where the student is enrolled for studies, where the student lives, and the type of housing, whether private or public. Students who stay in peri-urban, urban and rural areas have their allowances calculated at different rates. These rates typically do not exceed 2000 South Africa Rand or go below 1312 South Africa Rand. Furthermore, students who reside in university housing units cannot receive the same allowance as those living in private residences. Stellenbosch University students who utilise private accommodation, for instance, can receive up to 5970 South Africa Rand monthly as an allowance from NSFAS.

Living allowance: The living allowance covers personal maintenance and everyday living needs, such as toiletries. This support is provided at the rate of 1500 South African Rand per month.

Travel allowance: Under this allowance, students are guaranteed 625 South Africa Rand per month to take care of the costs of transiting between various locations for study-related purposes.

The NSFAS also offers additional support to students in the form of allowances for study materials and incidental allowance paid at the respective monthly rates of 433 and 241 South Africa Rand. Certain types of packages offered by the NSFAS may offer support for additional items not captured in this discussion.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Keep Reading

When Was NSFAS Established?

When Was NSFAS Established?

When Was NSFAS Established? Keep on reading to learn everything you want to know about NSFAS. 

How to Use Celbux NSFAS

How to Use Celbux NSFAS

If you are part of a group of people who are clueless about the nature and mode of operations or how to use Celbux NSFAS, this article is written for you

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash

How Do I Convert NSFAS Voucher to Cash. This article explains the process of converting a voucher from the NSFAS to cash.

How To Transfer NSFAS To Another Institution

How To Transfer NSFAS To Another Institution

If you're thinking of changing institutions or courses, knowing how this will affect your NSFAS funding is important

How NSFAS Works for People with Disabilities

How NSFAS Works for People with Disabilities

How NSFAS Works for People with Disabilities. How does a disabled person qualify for nsfas funding

How Do I Notify NSFAS If I Change Institution?

How Do I Notify NSFAS If I Change Institution?

Notify NSFAS If I Change Institution. This article will look at NSFAS funding relating to changes in course, institution fails, and many more. 

NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates 2023

NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates 2023

NSFAS allowances are paid monthly. In the 2022 cycle, these are generally paid out in the first week of every month for 10 months. NSFAS Allowance Payment Dates

How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

Download the consent form and ensure you have all relevant documents ready before submitting your online application. How to Fill Out the NSFAS Consent Form

Does NSFAS Fund Teaching Courses?

Does NSFAS Fund Teaching Courses?

NSFAS always funds teaching courses. To be considered for NSFAS funding, students must meet certain eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need. 

Can I Receive the SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS at the Same Time?

Can I Receive the SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS at the Same Time?

This article will examine how the SRD grant and NSFAS funding are related and offer helpful advice for applying to both schemes. SASSA SRD Grant and NSFAS

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Receive Registration Data From Institution?

How Long Does NSFAS Take to Receive Registration Data From Institution?

It takes several weeks for the National Students Financial Aid Scheme(NSFAS) to receive data from institutions.

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

What Does It Mean When Your NSFAS Status Is Blank?

so today, we are breaking down why a blank NSFAS status can occur and what to do about it. Luckily, it is not a major issue.

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS?

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS?

How Much Should A Person Earn to Qualify For NSFAS. NSFAS updates its determination of financial needs annually to account

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

What Does ‘Awaiting Registration’ Mean on NSFAS?

Sometimes you will find your application status showing ‘awaiting registration.’ Today, we look at what this means and what you should do about it.

How to Sign NSFAS SOP or LAF

How to Sign NSFAS SOP or LAF

In this article, we will be looking at what SOP/LAF means, how to sign an NSFAS SOP or LAF, and any other issues relating to the LAF/SOP.