NSFAS 2025

Will NSFAS Increase The Allowance In 2026

Will NSFAS Increase The Allowance In 2026

NSFAS 2026: Expected Changes in Student Bursaries and Allowances:

Many students are wondering if the NSFAS allowances will increase in 2026 to keep up with rising living and study costs. Based on recent updates and government funding plans, there are strong signs that NSFAS support is set to grow in the coming academic year.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has already confirmed that allowance increases are planned for both university and TVET college students in 2026–2027. This includes additional financial support for students living with disabilities. These planned increases follow the changes made in 2024, when university students received an annual living allowance of R16,500, made up of R3,045 for personal care and R13,455 for meals. TVET students also saw a boost, with their annual allowance rising from R6,000 to R10,000.

Looking ahead, the national budget reflects a positive outlook. The government has allocated R55.4 billion to NSFAS for 2026–2027, compared to R53.6 billion the previous year. This includes a 1.5% increase for universities and a 4.4% rise for TVET colleges. NSFAS is expected to maintain annual growth of around 4.4% over the next three years, targeting support for approximately 2.1 million students.

Various factors influence these increases, including inflation, cost of living, and student demands. As tuition and daily expenses continue to rise, NSFAS is likely to adjust its allowances accordingly. Students should keep checking the official NSFAS website or trusted news sources for any confirmed updates on allowance amounts for 2026–2027.

News About NSFAS Allowance Increment In 2026-2027

There is a high possibility that NSFAS beneficiaries in 2026 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,

Download the:

NSFAS STATEMENT ON THE PAYMENT OF THE 2026 STUDENT ALLOWANCES

What Influences NSFAS Funding 2026-2027

Various 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.

What Does The NSFAS Fund Cover For Students In 2026-2027

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

University students:

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 College Students:

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

NSFAS Payment Dates For 2026-2027 |Will NSFAS Increase The Allowance In 2026

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

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date:

Cycle 1 – All Campuses 26 February 2026
Cycle 2 – All Campuses 06 March 2026
Cycle 3 – All Campuses 22 April 2026
Cycle 4 – All Campuses 20 May 2026
Cycle 5 – All Campuses Monday 17 June 2026

Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

Cycle 6 – Medical School 01 July 2026
Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses 08 July 2026
Cycle 7 – All Campuses 05 August 2026
Cycle 8 – All Campuses 02 September 2026
Cycle 9 – All Campuses 07 October 2026
Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2026) 04 November 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

All signs point to an increase in NSFAS allowances for the 2026 academic year. With government funding on the rise and a clear focus on improving student support, especially for those at universities, TVET colleges, and students with disabilities, positive changes are expected. While nothing is final until officially confirmed by NSFAS, the upward trends in budget allocation and allowance history suggest that students can likely expect more financial support. Check the official website for more details.