Universities Confirm 2025 NSFAS Allowance Payment Plans. South African universities have officially announced their plans for distributing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances in 2025. This follows NSFAS’s decision to transfer payment responsibilities to institutions. The move is set to enhance efficiency and ensure that students receive their financial support timeously.

NSFAS Critical Support System for Students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to higher education for financially disadvantaged students. It provides bursaries and student loans to eligible learners enrolled in accredited courses at universities and TVET colleges. These financial packages cover tuition fees, registration costs, and various allowances such as:

• Accommodation Allowance
• Food Allowance
• Learning Material Allowance

Typically, these allowances are disbursed in ten monthly installments, spanning from February to November.

Universities Confirm 2025 NSFAS Allowance Payment Plans

Unisa Prioritises First-Semester Payouts

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has structured its NSFAS allowance payments around first-semester registration deadlines. Students will receive Learning Material and Incidental Allowances, particularly those registered for ten modules. To avoid payment delays, Unisa requires students to upload and verify banking details, urging them to regularly check their submission status.

VUT Stresses Accurate Banking Details

The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will deposit book and meal allowances directly into student bank accounts. Both NSFAS-funded and privately sponsored students must update their banking information via the VUT ITS iEnabler platform. Payments will only be processed after successful registration and sponsor confirmation. VUT has also advised students against using Tyme or Discovery banks due to security concerns.

CPUT Uses Fundi Platform for Payments

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has opted to distribute NSFAS allowances via the Fundi platform. Students were required to submit their banking details on Fundi by 24 February 2025. Those receiving private accommodation allowances must ensure that their landlords register on the Fundi portal. Initially, CPUT will base payments on 2024 allowance values until NSFAS finalizes 2025 amounts.

UCT Awaits Decision on Second-Semester Payments

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has confirmed that NSFAS has approved the distribution of first-semester allowances. However, the decision on second-semester allowances remains pending and will be announced at a later stage.

NMU Maintains Current Allowance Amounts

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) has acknowledged the Higher Education Minister’s announcement regarding increased allowances. However, NMU has confirmed that students will continue receiving the current amounts until NSFAS provides official communication. At present, students are allocated R1,650 for living expenses and R2,730 for learning materials. Should NSFAS approve an increase, NMU will adjust payments accordingly.

UFS Completes Interim Payments

The University of the Free State (UFS) has successfully allocated funding to 25,551 students, with 22,246 registered. As part of its interim payment strategy, UFS disbursed allowances to 14,303 students on 3 February 2025, followed by 7,943 students on 17 February 2025.

NWU Resolves Payment Delays

North-West University (NWU) experienced technical delays in disbursing NSFAS allowances scheduled for 21 February 2025. However, batch payments commenced on 22 February, covering 7,097 students, followed by 20,421 students on 24 February. Students who have not provided their banking details on the NWU DIY platform will not receive payments. February and March living allowances will be disbursed by the end of the week, with book allowances following soon after.

UP and UJ Open NSFAS Application Systems

The University of Pretoria (UP) has activated its 2025 NSFAS allowance application system via the UP portal. Meanwhile, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has released its funded student list, allowing students to verify their funding status.

SPU Continues Allowance Disbursement

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) has confirmed that the majority of NSFAS-funded students have received their February and March allowances. The institution has processed payments for approximately 900 first-time students and 2,900 returning students. SPU has reassured students that the allowance disbursement process will continue until all eligible students receive their funds. Those not on the funded list are encouraged to contact NSFAS through the university’s Finance Department.

Transition to University-Led Allowance Distribution

In 2024, NSFAS discontinued the NSFAS Bank Account due to ongoing legal disputes. This prompted a transition to a university-led distribution system, ensuring direct payments to students through their respective institutions. This change aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security in NSFAS allowance payments.

Conclusion

As South African universities prepare for the 2025 academic year, they have solidified their NSFAS payment plans to ensure students receive their allowances promptly and efficiently. By transitioning to a university-led distribution system, institutions are working towards reducing delays, improving security, and providing students with much-needed financial stability to focus on their studies. Students are urged to stay updated with university announcements, submit accurate banking details, and check their NSFAS funding status to avoid any disruptions in their allowances.