The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides comprehensive financial assistance to eligible South African students pursuing higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.
This guide breaks down what NSFAS covers for the 2025 academic year to help you understand the benefits and how to make the most of your funding.
University students – Full tuition coverage for approved courses at public universities.
TVET college students – Tuition fees for approved vocational programs aligned with career-focused training.
NSFAS provides housing support for students who need accommodation during their studies.
University students – Funding for on-campus or NSFAS-approved off-campus accommodation.
TVET college students – Coverage for on-campus or accredited private housing.
Important: Accommodation costs must fall within NSFAS-approved rates based on the institution’s limits.
NSFAS offers a monthly meal allowance to ensure students have access to proper nutrition during their studies.
University students – Meal allowances for students in NSFAS-funded accommodation.
TVET college students – A stipend is provided to cover essential food costs.
NSFAS provides yearly funding for study materials, which can be used for textbooks, laptops, and other academic resources.
University students – A learning materials allowance is given annually.
TVET college students – Funding for textbooks and study materials specific to their courses.
TVET college students receive a personal care allowance to cover day-to-day personal expenses, such as toiletries and other essentials.
This allowance is distributed monthly to support students with basic needs.
NSFAS provides transport assistance for students who live off-campus but within a certain distance from their institution.
University students – A monthly travel allowance if they do not stay in NSFAS-funded housing.
TVET college students – A transport allowance is provided if they live more than 10 km away from their college.
NSFAS provides special assistance to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education.
Assistive devices – Funding for wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other learning tools.
Human support – Coverage for scribes, carers, and personal assistants.
Transport costs – Higher transport allowances to accommodate mobility needs.
Note: Students with disabilities qualify under a higher household income threshold (up to R600,000 per year).
NSFAS provides funding for students to purchase a laptop through approved service providers.
This ensures that students have access to digital learning platforms and resources, which is essential for online and remote learning.
Application Opening Date: September 2024
Application Closing Date: 31 January 2025
Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute delays!
NSFAS removes financial barriers by covering tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, learning materials, and personal care needs. This allows students to focus on their studies and personal growth without financial stress.
For more details and updates, visit: www.nsfas.org.za
This guide breaks down what NSFAS covers for the 2025 academic year to help you understand the benefits and how to make the most of your funding.
What Does NSFAS Cover?
Tuition Fees
University students – Full tuition coverage for approved courses at public universities. TVET college students – Tuition fees for approved vocational programs aligned with career-focused training.
Accommodation
NSFAS provides housing support for students who need accommodation during their studies. University students – Funding for on-campus or NSFAS-approved off-campus accommodation. TVET college students – Coverage for on-campus or accredited private housing. Important: Accommodation costs must fall within NSFAS-approved rates based on the institution’s limits.
Meal Allowances
NSFAS offers a monthly meal allowance to ensure students have access to proper nutrition during their studies. University students – Meal allowances for students in NSFAS-funded accommodation. TVET college students – A stipend is provided to cover essential food costs.
Learning Materials Allowance
NSFAS provides yearly funding for study materials, which can be used for textbooks, laptops, and other academic resources. University students – A learning materials allowance is given annually. TVET college students – Funding for textbooks and study materials specific to their courses.
Personal Care Allowance (For TVET Students Only)
TVET college students receive a personal care allowance to cover day-to-day personal expenses, such as toiletries and other essentials. This allowance is distributed monthly to support students with basic needs.
Transport Allowance
NSFAS provides transport assistance for students who live off-campus but within a certain distance from their institution. University students – A monthly travel allowance if they do not stay in NSFAS-funded housing. TVET college students – A transport allowance is provided if they live more than 10 km away from their college.
Support for Students with Disabilities
NSFAS provides special assistance to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education. Assistive devices – Funding for wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other learning tools. Human support – Coverage for scribes, carers, and personal assistants. Transport costs – Higher transport allowances to accommodate mobility needs. Note: Students with disabilities qualify under a higher household income threshold (up to R600,000 per year).
NSFAS Laptop Allowance
NSFAS provides funding for students to purchase a laptop through approved service providers. This ensures that students have access to digital learning platforms and resources, which is essential for online and remote learning.
Important NSFAS Dates for 2025
Application Opening Date: September 2024 Application Closing Date: 31 January 2025 Tip: Apply early to avoid last-minute delays!
Conclusion
NSFAS removes financial barriers by covering tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, learning materials, and personal care needs. This allows students to focus on their studies and personal growth without financial stress. For more details and updates, visit: www.nsfas.org.za