How Much Is Nsfas Money 2026/2027
How Much Is Nsfas Money 2026/2027
Understanding NSFAS Funding Amounts for 2026/2027
Prospective learners planning to study at a public university or TVET college in South Africa might be wondering, “How much is NSFAS money for 2026/2027?” The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers financial support to students from low-income families, ensuring that money is not a barrier to achieving higher education. For the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS continues to fund eligible students by covering essential expenses such as tuition, accommodation, transport, and living costs in line with the latest Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) guidelines.
At universities, NSFAS covers the actual accommodation costs charged by the institution, while private accommodation must not exceed the university’s residence rate. Students also receive R7,500 per year for transport (if living within 40 km of campus), a R15,000 living allowance, R5,200 for books, and R2,900 for personal care for those in catered residences. For students at TVET colleges, NSFAS provides R24,000 for accommodation in urban areas, R18,900 in peri-urban areas, and R15,750 in rural areas. Transport allowances are set at R7,350 per year for those within 40 km of campus and R7,000 for other transport costs, with a R2,900 personal care allowance included.
This bursary ensures that every deserving student has access to quality education without financial strain. NSFAS funds South African citizens whose combined household income does not exceed R350,000 per year, while students with disabilities qualify if their household income is below R600,000. Understanding how much NSFAS pays in 2026/2027 helps you plan better and make the most of your funding opportunity.
Read: How Often Nsfas Provides Allowance For 2026/2027
Nsfas 2026/2027 Application Deadline
- Applications for 2026 close on 15 November 2025, so do not miss out.
How Much Is Nsfas Money For University Students 2026/2027
Amounts indicated by Nsfas are for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.
- 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
How Much Is Nsfas Money For Tvet College Students 2026/2027
- Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum
- Accommodation in a peri-urban area is 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 Are The NSFAS Funding Components Available
NSFAS funding covers various aspects of a student’s educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, living allowance, transport costs, and study materials. The actual funding amounts may vary depending on a student’s specific needs and the institution they attend. Here is a general overview of the main funding components for the 2025/2026 academic year:
- Tuition Fees:
NSFAS covers the full cost of tuition fees for eligible students. The actual amount depends on the specific course and institution a student is enrolled in.
- Accommodation:
For students staying in university or TVET college-owned residences, NSFAS covers the actual accommodation costs. If a student lives in private or off-campus accommodation, they may receive a predetermined allowance to cover their rent expenses, subject to the approval of the institution and NSFAS.
- Living Allowance:
To assist with daily living expenses, NSFAS provides a monthly living allowance. The actual amount is determined by the institution and can vary, but it’s intended to help students with food and other essential expenses.
- Transport Allowance:
Students who live outside of walking distance from their institution may receive a transport allowance to help cover their travel costs. The actual amount may vary based on the student’s location and transportation needs.
- Study Materials:
NSFAS provides a learning materials allowance to help students purchase textbooks and other essential study materials required for their courses. The allowance amount may vary depending on the course and institution.
Nsfas Contact Details
- Postal Private Bag X1, Plumstead, 7801
- Physical- 2nd Floor, House Vincent, 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700
- Tel- 021 763 3200 / 08000 67327
- Web- www.nsfas.org.za
Hope the information given above has been useful to you. If you have any suggestions, kindly leave them in the comments section provided below. You can also visit the official website of Nsfas for more clarification.
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