NSFAS Funding and December Payments for the 2025/2026 Academic Year:

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) represents a government initiative in South Africa designed to offer financial support to students hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue higher education. This assistance encompasses coverage for tuition fees, accommodation, learning materials, and living allowances for eligible recipients.

This article aims to explore whether NSFAS will cover expenses for December during the 2025/2026 academic year, alongside examining the factors that might impact these disbursements. While payments for tuition, accommodation, and learning materials remain unaffected during the December period, adjustments in disbursement schedules for living allowances may occur due to the holiday break.

Students are advised to liaise with their respective colleges or universities regarding any modifications to the payment schedule for living allowances around December. By remaining vigilant and effectively managing their finances, students can ensure they possess adequate resources throughout the academic year, including December.

Read: How Many Months Does Nsfas Pay 2025/2026

NSFAS funding typically consists of several components, including:

• Tuition fees: Paid directly to the college or university on behalf of the student.
• Accommodation: Covers the cost of residence for students living in college-approved housing.
• Learning materials: Includes funds for textbooks, stationery, and other necessary learning resources.
• Living allowances: Intended to help students cover their day-to-day expenses, such as food, transportation, and personal care.

Will NSFAS Pay for December 2025/2026

The below information will guide you in knowing whether Nsfas will release bursary funds in December 2025:

Tuition and Accommodation:

• Tuition and accommodation fees are generally paid directly to the college or university at the beginning of each academic year, semester, or term, depending on the institution’s payment structure. This ensures that students’ fees are settled, and they can focus on their studies without financial worries. Since these payments are made at the start of each term, they are unlikely to be affected by the December period.

Learning Materials:

• Funds for learning materials are typically disbursed once per academic year, semester, or term, again depending on the institution’s payment structure. These payments are unlikely to be influenced by the December period.

Living Allowances:

• Living allowances are usually disbursed monthly or quarterly, depending on the college or university’s disbursement schedule. It is crucial to note that NSFAS payments may be affected by the December period, as many institutions close for the holidays. Some institutions might disburse the living allowance for December earlier than usual to account for the holiday break. Students should check with their institution to determine the specific payment schedule for living allowances, especially around the December period.

How Much Will Nsfas Pay For December 2025/2026

The amounts given by Nsfas are indicated for accommodation, living allowance, transport and learning materials need to be aligned with the approved latest DHET guidelines.

University Students:

• 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

Read Also: How Often Nsfas Provide Allowance For 2025/2026

Tvet College Students:

• 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