Nsfas Allowance 2026/2027

Nsfas Allowance 2026/2027

A Comprehensive Breakdown of Financial Support for South African Students:

NSFAS allowances are financial allocations given to qualifying South African students who are beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These allowances are intended to offset the diverse expenses related to attending public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-backed program in South Africa aimed at offering financial support to disadvantaged students in their pursuit of higher education at public universities and TVET colleges.

A crucial aspect of NSFAS funding includes various allowances to assist with tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and other essential expenses. This article will present a detailed overview of the NSFAS allowances for the 2026/2026 academic year and elucidate how these can be advantageous for eligible students.

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 Does Nsfas Give As Allowance In 2026/2027

Amounts indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport, and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

	New Books	Accommodation	Living Allowanc e	Travel Allowanc e	Personal Care Allowance	Human Support	Assistiv e Device
UNI Catered – Disability Metro	6,240	69,633	–	–	3,167	52,000	54,080
UNI Catered – Disability Non- Metro	6,240	60,273	–	–	3,167	52,000	54,080
UNI Catered – Metro	5,678	65,993	–	–	3,167	–	–
UNI Catered – Non-Metro	5,678	56,633	–	–	3,167	–	–
UNI Non-Catered – Disability Metro	6,240	52,000	20,800	–	–	52,000	54,080
UNI Non-Catered – Disability Non Metro	6,240	42,640	20,800	–	–	52,000	54,080
UNI Non-Catered Metro	5,678	52,000	17,160	–	–	–	–
UNI Non-Catered Non Metro	5,678	42,640	17,160	–	–	–	–
UNI Disability Transport	6,240	–	20,800	8,190	–	52,000	54,080
UNI Transport	5,678	–	17,160	8,190	–	–	–
UNI Distance learning/ UNISA	660 per module (R5,678 Maximum)				3,167

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 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:

• Login 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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