Earlier this month Minister Blade Nzimande revealed what his department and entities are doing to ensure a smooth start to hopefully a successful 2024 academic year. A major component of this readiness surrounds the funding of students.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive bursaries to students enrolled in approved programmes at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
As part of the comprehensive funding provided by NSFAS, funded students receive several NSFAS allowances. These allowances cover transport expenses, living expenses, learning material costs and even accommodation costs.
TVET Allowances
NSFAS will pay for a student's tuition and registration fees. In addition to this, students will also receive several allowances. These allowances will vary depending on the student.
College Owned/Managed Accommodation
TVET college's owned catered accommodation in metro areas is capped at R60,000 and in other areas is capped at R51,000. Students in catered residences are not eligible for a living allowance. They also receive a personal care allowance of R3,045.
TVET college managed down and leased self-catered accommodation capped at R50,000 in metros and 41,000 in other areas. These students are eligible for a TVET college living allowance of R10,000 per annum. They also receive a personal care allowance of R3,045.
Private Accommodation
Students living in Private Off Campus accredited accommodation in metro areas receive an accommodation allowance capped at R50,000 per annum while those living in other areas receive a R41,000 accommodation allowance.
These students also qualify for a living allowance of R10,000 and personal care allowance of R3,045.
Students who opt to make their own accommodation arrangements with immediate family or with relatives do not qualify for the accommodation allowance.
Students who live less than 10KM away from their campus qualify for a travel allowance determined by the institution, up to a maximum of R7,875 in 2024. They also receive a living allowance of R10,000 and personal care allowance of R3,045.
TVET College students may either qualify for the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance.
Distance TVET College students qualify for the personal care allowance of R3,045 only.
Allowances May Be Split
If the accommodation lacks certain services, NSFAS or the institution will determine the maximum amount payable for the accommodation.
When students live 10 km away from campus, they are eligible for a transportation allowance of R7,718. This allowance will be given directly to the student if the institution hasn't arranged travel on their behalf.
If the institution arranges travel for students residing 10 km away from campus, the travel allowance will be paid to the institution.
In cases where landlords do not provide internet access, students will receive a monthly allowance of R2,000 to cover data expenses.
For landlords unable to ensure consistent water and electricity, students will receive an annual utility allowance of R5,000 directly.
Where transport is managed by the institution, this allowance will be paid to the institution. Alternately where this arrangement does not exist the allowance will be paid to the student
The minister revealed that NSFAS will pay R1 Billion to TVET colleges as part of ensuring a smooth beginning of the 2024 academic year. This will ensure that students have access to their allowances
