This guide lists all NSFAS allowances for 2025, including university and TVET amounts, living allowance, accommodation, meal allowances, transport, and book allowances.

1. NSFAS Allowances 2025 – University Students

Below is the 2025 funding structure for public universities.

Living Allowance

• R15,000 per year

This is paid monthly after registration is confirmed.

Learning Materials (Books) Allowance

• R5,460 per year
  (or equivalent digital allowance)

Meal Allowance

• R7,500 – R10,000 per year
  (depends on institution policy)

Accommodation Allowance

NSFAS pays real cost of accredited student accommodation:

• On-campus: Full cost (university-managed)
• Off-campus: Capped amount depending on city/region
• Private accredited: Paid according to NSFAS caps

Students cannot receive both accommodation + transport.

Transport Allowance

Only for students not staying in NSFAS-funded accommodation:

• R7,500 per year
• Must live <40 km from campus

2. NSFAS Allowances 2025 – TVET College Students

TVET allowances differ based on program type and delivery mode.

Accommodation Allowance

Urban area:

• Up to R24,000 per year

Peri-urban:

• Up to R18,900 per year

Rural area:

• Up to R15,750 per year

Transport Allowance

• R7,350 per year
• Student must live within 40 km of campus

Personal Care Allowance

• R3,045 per year

Meal Allowance

• Included within accommodation coverage or paid separately depending on college policy.

3. How NSFAS Pays Allowances in 2025

After approval and registration, NSFAS sends allowances through:

• NSFAS Bank Account (Mastercard partners)
• Direct NSFAS payment to private/varsity residences
• Monthly disbursements for living + meals

4. Who Qualifies for Allowances

You must:

• Be approved for NSFAS
• Be registered at a public university/TVET
• Not exceed the household income threshold (R350,000)
• Meet academic requirements
• Live in approved accommodation (for accommodation funds)

5. Important Rules for 2025

Students cannot double-claim

No receiving transport + accommodation at the same time.

Private accommodation must be accredited

Otherwise NSFAS will not pay.

Allowance amounts may differ by institution

Some universities have internal rates.

Missing registration = no payment

Institution must upload your data.

6. When Allowances Start

Payments begin only after:

• Registration is uploaded
• Funding confirmed
•  Your NSFAS account is active