There have been a number of changes to NSFAS allowance payments over the last few years. Last year the NSFAS wallet card was phased out and 4 'fintech providers' were signed up to distribute allowances to students. However this year NSFAS is making payments directly to students' bank accounts. TVET students are usually paid on the 25th of the month and university students are paid on the 30th of the month. Student allowances are paid over 10 months.
In recent days a campaign of fake news has spread across the internet claiming that NSFAS will make a payment of R5,200 to students on the 19th August. NSFAS have confirmed that this is fake news and no payment will be made on the 19th August.
Searching Google for 'NSFAS August allowance payments' returns with multiple websites claiming that this payment will be made by NSFAS this month. However none of the websites presented by Google is a reputable news media website, or a specialist site related to student funding. Websites that appear include npssedu dot com, actioninisolation dot co dot za, curtainsuppagosa dot org, gclarlawcollege dot com, and nationalstudentfinancialaidscheme dot co dot za.
Although the final website has a name that seems relevant, it has no link to the student funding organisation. There is no restriction on any company or individual starting a website with a name like this, that can easily confuse the public. None of the websites involved are part of the Press Council of South Africa which provides a mark of professionalism.
This fake news has spread far in South Africa, with Google's Trends report showing that over the last week the top searches for NSFAS have focused on phrases like "NSFAS R5200" and "NSFAS 19th August". First published on these fake websites, the news is often captured via screenshot and spread on whatsapp groups or platforms like Facebook.
The spread of fake news is hard to keep track of, and an international problem. It was announced in recent days that Finland is introducing information on how to spot fake news as an official part of their school curriculum.
Correct Information on NSFAS Allowances
The correct values for NSFAS allowances have been communicated by the organisation, and genuine news websites, over recent months.
Learning Materials Allowance
This allowance is a once-off annual payment made at the beginning of the year. It will not be paid again after that. For 2025, the amounts are:
- Students in Catered residence: R5 678
- Students in Non-catered residence: R5 678
- Students with disabilities (Catered or Non-catered): R6 240
- Students receiving a transport allowance: R5 678
- Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R6 240
Accommodation Allowance
This monthly allowance is paid for 10 months. Students who do not receive accommodation support will instead receive a transport allowance.
- Catered residence (Metro): R6 599
- Catered residence (Non-metro): R5 663
- Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
- Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
- Students with disabilities in Catered residence (Metro): R6 963
- Students with disabilities in Catered residence (Non-metro): R6 027
- Students with disabilities in Non-catered residence (Metro): R5 200
- Students with disabilities in Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R4 264
Living Allowance
Also paid monthly for 10 months, this allowance is available to specific categories of students:
- Students with disabilities in Catered residence (Metro): R1 716
- Students in Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R1 716
- Students with disabilities in Non-catered residence (Metro): R2 080
- Students with disabilities in Non-catered residence (Non-metro): R2 080
- Students receiving a transport allowance: R1 716
- Students with disabilities receiving a transport allowance: R2 080
