The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains a critical source of financial support for thousands of South African students. This vital program provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. These bursaries cover tuition and registration fees, as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic success.
NSFAS Allowance Payments for November 2024
University Students
For university students, the allowances provided by NSFAS are designed to cover essential living expenses and academic needs:
- Living Allowance: R16,500 per year
- R3,045 allocated for personal care
- R13,455 for meals
- Learning Material Allowance: Up to R5,460
TVET College Students
For students attending TVET colleges, the allowance structure differs slightly:
- Living Allowance: R10,000 per year
- Learning Material Allowance: Varies depending on the course
Additionally, students with disabilities receive enhanced support, including higher living allowances and increased learning materials allowances, subject to specific conditions.
NSFAS Monthly Allowances for November
As part of the NSFAS initiative, meal and personal care allowances are disbursed in 10 monthly instalments. For November, students can expect the following payments:
- Meal Allowance: R1,345
- Personal Care Allowance: Approximately R300 (for students in catered accommodation)
Transport Allowance
Students who reside more than 10 km from campus are eligible for an annual transportation allowance of R7,718, which translates to a monthly payment of up to R771. This transport allowance may either be paid directly to students or managed by the institution, depending on their travel arrangements.
Payment of November Allowances
In April 2024, NSFAS confirmed that universities would be responsible for distributing allowances to students until the end of July 2024. This arrangement has since been extended, allowing universities to continue managing these payments through the end of the year. For TVET college students, NSFAS allowances will be directly deposited into their personal bank accounts, ensuring timely access to funds for their educational needs.