SAUni South African University News Portal
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced its plan for allowance payments. The scheme recently made upfront payments worth billions of rands to institutions, to ensure a seamless start to the 2024 academic year.
Upfront Payments To Universities
February 2024: NSFAS made upfront payments to cover various allowances, including the second half of the book allowance, accommodation for March, transport fair for February and March, meals for February and March, and personal care for February and March.
March 2024: Universities administered the payment of allowances for February and March only.
How NSFAS Allowance Will Be Paid to University Students
NSFAS has replaced the previous system where universities distributed allowances to students with a direct payment method to students themselves.
Starting in April 2024, allowances will be sent directly to students through the chosen direct payment partners assigned to their respective institutions in 2023.
Students need to register with these partners to receive the allowances.
TVET Colleges NSFAS Allowances Payment Layout
TVET colleges used to distribute allowances to students, but from April 2024, SFAS will directly send allowances to students through chosen direct payment partners.
Who Will Pay TVET College NSFAS Allowances Going Forward?
| Allowance Type | Distribution Challenge |
| Book Allowance | Institution |
| Accommodation Allowance For The Non-Pilot Accommodations | Institutions |
| Private Accommodation Allowances Pilot | NSFAS |
| Food Allowance | Direct Payment Service Provider |
| Travel Allowance | Direct Payment Service Provider |
| Living Allowance | Direct Payment Service Provider |
| Pre-funder allowances | Institutions |
| Disability Funding | Institutions |
