How much does NSFAS give students per month?

NSFAS, in 2020, changed the approach of providing students with monthly vouchers and, instead, began providing allowances, with separate amounts dedicated to study material, food and travel.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) moved from providing students with vouchers to use at selected in 2020. The scheme, instead, started paying allowances through the students’ NSFAS accounts.

The change meant that students would receive three types of allowances for the academic year, with the first being the allowance for books, stationery and other study materials, which is estimated at R5 200 per annum. Moreover, students also receive an estimated R1 500 as a living allowance, R735 as a travel allowance, and R275 personal allowance per month.

Currently, it is unclear whether there will be a change in the amounts in the 2021 academic year, which is set to start in February 2021. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Blade Nzimande is currently focused on the enrolment of students, and has not yet provided an update on the possible changes to NSFAS payouts for 2021.

Sabelo Makhubo
[email protected]