Nsfas Allowance 2026/2027

Nsfas Allowance 2026/2027

A Comprehensive Breakdown of Financial Support for South African Students:

The NSFAS Allowance 2026/2027 plays an important role in helping South African students cover essential study-related costs while pursuing higher education. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), eligible students receive financial support that includes funding for accommodation, transport, living expenses, learning materials, and personal care. These allowances are structured according to the latest Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) guidelines to ensure fairness and consistency across all public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

For the 2026/2027 academic year, NSFAS will continue to provide allowances tailored to the different needs of students, such as those in catered, non-catered, and distance-learning institutions. University students living in catered accommodation can receive funding that covers meals, books, and personal care, while non-catered students receive additional living allowances to support daily expenses. Students with disabilities benefit from extra allowances, including human support and assistive devices, ensuring inclusive access to education.

Transport and distance-learning students, including UNISA students, also receive specific allowances to assist with travel or module-related costs. For example, UNISA students can receive R660 per module, up to a maximum of R5,678 per year, along with a personal care allowance. The NSFAS Allowance 2026/2027 ensures that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. By covering these essential expenses, NSFAS empowers thousands of students to focus on their studies and achieve academic success.

Read ALSO: How Nsfas Assist Students In 2026/2027

What Does The NSFAS Allowance Cover 2026/2027

The following is the list of what the NSFAS covers:

Tuition Fee Allowance

• NSFAS covers the full cost of tuition for eligible students, ensuring they have access to higher education without the burden of tuition fees. This allowance is paid directly to the institution, and the amount varies depending on the course, program, and university or college fees.

Accommodation Allowance

• For students who live in university- or college-managed residences, NSFAS provides an allowance to cover the cost of accommodation. Students who live in private accommodations approved by the institution may also receive an accommodation allowance, although the amount may vary. The accommodation allowance helps students secure safe and affordable housing while pursuing their studies.

Living Expenses Allowance

• NSFAS provides a monthly living allowance to help cover the cost of food, transport, and other day-to-day expenses. The living allowance aims to ensure that students can focus on their studies without worrying about their basic needs. This allowance is disbursed directly to the student’s bank accounts every month.

Book and Learning Material Allowance

• To support students in acquiring the necessary textbooks and learning materials for their courses, NSFAS provides a book and learning material allowance. This allowance is intended to cover the cost of essential academic resources, enabling students to excel in their studies.

Incidental or Personal Care Allowance

• For students with disabilities, NSFAS offers an incidental or personal care allowance. This allowance is designed to cover additional costs associated with the student’s disability, such as assistive devices, personal care, or specialised transport services.

How Much Of Nsfas Allowance Is Given To University Students In 2026/2027

The amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials are determined according to the latest DHET-approved guidelines. Below is a breakdown of the NSFAS 2026/2027 allowances:

University Students (Catered Accommodation):

UNI Catered – Disability Metro:

• New Books: R6,240
• Accommodation: R69,633
• Personal Care Allowance: R3,167
• Human Support: R52,000
• Assistive Device: R54,080

UNI Catered – Disability Non-Metro:

• New Books: R6,240
• Accommodation: R60,273
• Personal Care Allowance: R3,167
• Human Support: R52,000
• Assistive Device: R54,080

UNI Catered – Metro:

• New Books: R5,678
• Accommodation: R65,993
• Personal Care Allowance: R3,167

UNI Catered – Non-Metro:

• New Books: R5,678
• Accommodation: R56,633
• Personal Care Allowance: R3,167

University Students (Non-Catered Accommodation)

UNI Non-Catered – Disability Metro:

• New Books: R6,240
• Accommodation: R52,000
• Living Allowance: R20,800
• Human Support: R52,000
• Assistive Device: R54,080

UNI Non-Catered – Disability Non-Metro:

• New Books: R6,240
• Accommodation: R42,640
• Living Allowance: R20,800
• Human Support: R52,000
• Assistive Device: R54,080

UNI Non-Catered – Metro:

• New Books: R5,678
• Accommodation: R52,000
• Living Allowance: R17,160

UNI Non-Catered – Non-Metro:

• New Books: R5,678
• Accommodation: R42,640
• Living Allowance: R17,160

University Distance Learning / UNISA Students:

• Book Allowance: R660 per module (maximum of R5,678)
• Personal Care Allowance: R3,167

University Transport Students:

UNI Disability Transport:

• New Books: R6,240
• Living Allowance: R20,800
• Travel Allowance: R8,190
• Human Support: R52,000
• Assistive Device: R54,080

UNI Transport:

• New Books: R5,678
• Living Allowance: R17,160
• Travel Allowance: R8,190

How Much Of Nsfas Allowance Is Given To TVET College Students In 2026/2027

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

Tips for Managing Your NSFAS Allowances 2026/2027

Consider the following when applying for an NSFAS allowance:

• Create a budget: Developing a monthly budget can help you manage your NSFAS allowances more effectively and ensure that your funds last throughout the academic year.
• Prioritize your expenses: Allocate your allowances to essential expenses first, such as accommodation, food, and textbooks, before spending on non-essential items.
• Save where possible: Look for opportunities to save money, such as buying second-hand textbooks, using student discounts, and cooking meals at home.
• Keep track of your spending: Regularly review your expenses to ensure that you are staying within your budget and making the most of your NSFAS allowances.

How To Apply For NSFAS Allowance For 2025/2026

Follow the procedures provided below to apply for the NSFAS allowance in the year 2026/2027:

• Go to the official allowance application website of NSFAS
• Log in to the student’s self-service portal
• Click on ‘STUDENTS”
• Click on “STUDENT SELF-SERVICE.”
• Enter your person number(student number) and password
• Click on “FINANCIAL AID”
• Click on “ALLOWANCES”(Specify which allowance you want to apply), then complete the form

Please note that students who qualify for allowances need to update their Banking details online by following the steps below:

• Log in to the student’s self-service portal
• Click on the “My Bank Account” tile
• Click on the “Add / Update Account” tab
• Follow the instructions

Nsfas Contact Details

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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NSFAS contact details