The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a vital role in supporting many South African students by providing funding, including monthly allowances.
NSFAS allowances are distributed in 10 monthly payments throughout the academic year, which typically runs from February to November. This means students receive payments only during these months.
NSFAS confirmed the following:
Allowances of students will be paid based on an approved NSFAS payment channel.
How NSFAS Allowance Payments Will Work in May 2025
In the latter half of 2024, university students received their allowances through their institutions, while TVET College students had theirs paid directly into their personal bank accounts.
For 2025, NSFAS has confirmed that TVET College students will continue receiving their allowances via direct deposits into their bank accounts. Students are encouraged to update their banking details on the myNSFAS portal.
The allowances payment channel for TVET College students remains their own bank accounts. Colleges should encourage new NSFAS qualifying students to open a bank account at any of the South African banking institutions.
Although NSFAS intended to transition university students to direct bank account payments, this plan is delayed due to an ongoing court case. As a result, universities will continue to handle allowance payments to students in 2025 until further updates are announced.
NSFAS pays student allowances to the university who then pays this to the student. NSFAS has however said that some institutions have adopted different policies and practices on how and when these allowances are paid to students.
"Students are advised to consult their institution to determine when and how they will receive their allowances," said NSFAS.
How To Upload Details For TVET NSFAS Allowance Payments
Only students with confirmed funding and submitted registration data are eligible to add banking details.
Students can update their banking details on the myNSFAS portal by following these simple steps:
- Visit the myNSFAS portal
- Log in using your myNSFAS credentials.
- Select "Bank Account Details" under "Profile Information."
- Enter your bank details accurately.
- Click "Save."
Students are encouraged to stay informed about updates from NSFAS and ensure their details on the myNSFAS portal are accurate to avoid any payment delays.
