There is a high possibility that NSFAS beneficiaries in 2025 will receive an increase in allowance. Minister Blade Nzimande of higher education announced that there will be NSFAS allowance increases.

Nzimande said the increment aims to improve NSFAS support for university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students. Blade Nzimande also gave out allowances for NSFAS-funded students living with disabilities. To know the newly approved amount to be paid by the bursary secretariat, scroll down.

What Factors Influence NSFAS Funding 2025

Several factors influence NSFAS’s funding allocation for each academic year. these factors will help you forecast whether funding will be increased or not;

• Economic situation: the country’s overall financial health determines NSFAS Fund allocation
• Government Guidelines: The ruling government’s policies and priorities can significantly impact funding decisions.
• Student Registration: The number of qualified students applying for NSFAS support may also affect funding.

List Of NSFAS Allowance 2025-2026

NSFAS disburses the following amounts to cater for the educational expenses in these categories;

• NSFAS University Allowance
• Accommodation: As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence)
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7 500 per annum
• Living allowance R15, 000 per annum
• Book allowances R5200 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences

TVET Colleges NSFAS Allowance

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area R18,900 per annum
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350 per annum
• Transport R7000 per annum
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum

What Is NSFAS Payment Dates 2025

These payments are typically made directly into the designated bank accounts of students or through alternative payment methods. NSFAS disburses payment using the payment schedule provided below;

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date:

• Cycle 1 – All Campuses 26 February 2025
• Cycle 2 – All Campuses 06 March 2025
• Cycle 3 – All Campuses 22 April 2025
• Cycle 4 – All Campuses 20 May 2025
• Cycle 5 – All Campuses Monday 17 June 2025

Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

• Cycle 6 – Medical School 01 July 2025
• Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses  08 July 2025
• Cycle 7 – All Campuses 05 August 2025
• Cycle 8 – All Campuses 02 September 2025
• Cycle 9 – All Campuses 07 October 2025
• Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2025)  04 November 2025

READ ALSO: What Are The NSFAS Requirements 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

Website: www.nsfas.org.za

Email: info@nsfas.org.za

South African students: 0860 067 327

International students: +27 21 763 3232

Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700

Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

Check the official website for more details. I hope the provided information is helpful, kindly leave a comment below in the comment section.