SAUni South African University News Portal
NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. It’s a program run by the South African government’s Department of Higher Education and Training.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides financial assistance for tertiary education, including a transport allowance for eligible students.
- Amount: The transport allowance is R7,875 per year.
Eligibility
- These eligibility criteria include being a South African citizen, studying towards an approved qualification and meeting the NSFAS household income threshold of R350,000 for able-bodied students and R600,000 for students living with disabilities.
- You can only receive a transport or accommodation allowance, not both.
- To qualify for the transport allowance, you must live with family or at a non-accredited residence further than 10km from the campus.
- If your institution arranges transportation for students living beyond 10km, you won’t receive a transport allowance directly.
- NSFAS plays a critical role in ensuring students from poor and working-class backgrounds can further their education without having to worry about the costs.
How to Apply for NSFAS Transport Allowance
- The application period typically runs from late February to mid-March.
- You should apply through your student self-service portal.
