Many South African students rely on NSFAS allowances to cover their living, transport, and study needs. The exact amounts for 2025–2026 follow a clear structure, and understanding how payments work can help you plan and avoid the stress of waiting for updates. Here is a simple breakdown of how much students receive, when payments are made, and what can affect the timing.
NSFAS Allowance Amounts for 2025–2026 (Quick Breakdown)
Most allowances follow the standard NSFAS framework used for universities and TVET colleges. While accommodation values vary depending on location and type of residence, the core allowance structure remains the same across the country. Students generally receive support for living costs, transport, meals, and essential learning materials.
University students typically receive:
- Living Allowance: Around R1,650 per month
- Meal Allowance: Often included within the living allowance or paid separately depending on institution
- Transport Allowance: Up to R7,500 per academic year for students living off-campus
- Learning Materials: R5,460 per year
- Accommodation: Fully covered if staying in NSFAS-accredited housing (rates vary by city)
TVET college students typically receive:
- Accommodation: Fully covered if living in college-approved residences
- Transport Allowance: Up to R7,500 per year
- Personal Care Allowance: R3,045 per year
- Living/Meal Support: Based on campus arrangements and distance
These values can differ slightly based on the institution, province and updated NSFAS circulars, but they reflect the standard structure used for planning and budgeting.
How Allowances Are Paid (Universities vs TVET Colleges)
Universities and TVET colleges follow different schedules and payment systems. At universities, allowances are usually disbursed monthly once the institution confirms your registration. Some universities distribute funds directly to students, while others process payments through internal systems connected to MyNSFAS.
At TVET colleges, allowances often follow a block-release model depending on study schedules. Students may receive support at the start of a term, monthly, or on fixed dates set by the college. The most important factor is whether registration has been approved and loaded into NSFAS.
Students should expect differences based on where they study, but both systems require clear and confirmed registration before any allowance can be paid.
When NSFAS Pays Allowances Each Month
Most allowances begin once the academic year is fully underway and institutions have uploaded registration data. Students usually see their first payments between February and March, but timing depends heavily on how quickly the institution completes administrative steps.
If the allowance is delayed, it is often because registration files have not yet been submitted, or the institution is still verifying details like residence type, distance from campus or course code accuracy. To track updates, students can use the “Allowances”, “Wallet” or “Payments” section in MyNSFAS or the institution’s official student portal.
For real-time updates, you can also check your funding progress using our NSFAS Status Check guide.
What Affects Your Monthly NSFAS Allowance
Several factors influence how much you receive and when you receive it. Students living closer to campus usually receive transport allowances, while those in accredited accommodation receive coverage according to official residence rates. Incorrect documents, late uploads or mismatched personal details can delay allowance processing. If you recently updated your phone number, bank information or residence details, you may need to wait for the system to refresh.
Your mode of study also matters. Full-time students qualify for full support, while part-time or distance students may receive different levels of funding depending on NSFAS rules and institutional agreements.
How to Check Your NSFAS Allowance for 2025–2026
The fastest way to check your allowance status is through MyNSFAS. Once logged in, students can navigate to “Payments”, “Allowances” or “Wallet” to view available funds and upcoming releases. Some universities reflect allowance information directly in their own portals, so it’s worth checking both if you study at a major institution.
If your allowance does not appear after several days, start by confirming that your registration is fully verified. Delays usually happen when institutions have not submitted updated residence or course information. For those still completing their application, our NSFAS Application Guide can help ensure all steps are completed correctly.
What to Do If Payments Are Delayed
If your allowance has not appeared after your status shows “Funded” or “Provisionally Funded”, first check whether the institution has submitted your final registration. Allowances can only be paid once NSFAS receives the correct academic information. Try signing out of MyNSFAS, clearing cache, or using a different device if the portal does not refresh. Contacting your institution’s financial aid office can also help clarify where delays are occurring.
Wrap-Up
Allowances form a major part of student funding, and understanding how they work helps you plan your academic year with confidence. By knowing the standard amounts, the payment structure, and how to track updates, you can stay informed and act quickly if anything needs attention. Keep your MyNSFAS details up to date, check your institution’s portal regularly, and follow verified channels for any changes during 2025–2026.
Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.
