More than a million students in South Africa receive funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The bursary scheme has now confirmed how much students will receive in allowances for May 2025.
The NSFAS bursary covers tuition, registration, and various study-related costs at all 26 public universities and 50 TVET colleges in South Africa.
These allowances are paid over 10 months—from February to November each academic year.
NSFAS Allowances for May 2025
University Students
Learning Materials Allowance
This is a once-off annual payment:
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Catered and Non-catered residence: R5 678
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Students with disabilities: R6 240
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R5 678
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R6 240
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly over 10 months:
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Catered residence (Metro): R6 599
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Catered residence (Non-metro): R5 663
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Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R6 963
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Non-metro): R6 027
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R5 200
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R4 264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly to qualifying students:
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R1 716
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R2 080
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R2 080
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R1 716
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2 080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly: R819 for students receiving a transport allowance (including those with disabilities).
Personal Care Allowance
Paid monthly: R316 for students in catered residences.
TVET College Students
Accommodation Allowance
Paid monthly:
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Catered residence (Metro): R6 599
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Catered residence (Non-metro): R5 663
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Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R6 963
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Non-metro): R6 027
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R5 200
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R4 264
Living Allowance
Paid monthly to qualifying students:
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Students with disabilities (Catered, Metro): R1 716
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Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1 716
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Metro): R2 080
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Students with disabilities (Non-catered, Non-metro): R2 080
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Students receiving a transport allowance: R1 716
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Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2 080
Travel Allowance
Paid monthly: R802 for students receiving a transport allowance (including those with disabilities).
Personal Care Allowance
Paid monthly: R316 for students living in catered residences.
How NSFAS Allowances Will Be Paid in May 2025
NSFAS has confirmed that TVET College students will continue to receive their allowances via direct deposit into their personal bank accounts. Students should ensure their banking details are updated on the myNSFAS portal.
University students will continue to receive allowances through their institutions. Payment processes and timelines may vary, so students are advised to consult their financial aid offices for specific guidance.
