The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded organization that provides financial assistance to students in South Africa.
NSFAS offers funding for tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other related costs to eligible students.
NSFAS Allowance per Month in 2026
The NSFAS allowance per month for 2026 varies depending on the institution and student category.
Here are the approved allowance caps for universities and TVET colleges:
University Students
- Accommodation:
- Catered: up to R69,633 per year
- Non-catered: up to R52,000 per year
- Living Allowance:
- Up to R20,800 per year
- Transport:
- Up to R17,160 per year (metro)
- Up to R20,800 per year (non-metro)
- Personal Care Allowance:
- R3,167 per year
TVET College Students
- Accommodation:
- Catered: up to R65,993 per year
- Non-catered: up to R52,000 per year
- Living Allowance:
- Up to R17,160 per year
- Transport:
- Up to R8,190 per year
How Long Does it Take for NSFAS to Send Money?
NSFAS releases payments to universities and TVET colleges on specific dates.
The second upfront payment was made in March 2026, allowing institutions to disburse March allowances to students by March 7, 2026.
How Does NSFAS Pay Monthly?
NSFAS pays allowances monthly, with the payment schedule as follows:
- Upfront Payments: January 10, 2026, and March 5, 2026
- Monthly Payments: March 14, 2026, to November 14, 2026
NSFAS First Allowance
The first allowance is paid in March 2026, with subsequent payments made monthly.
Does NSFAS Give You a Laptop?
There is no specific information on laptop allowances provided by NSFAS.
NSFAS First Payment Date for 2026 September
The first payment date for September 2026 is September 15, 2026.
NSFAS Payment Schedule
The NSFAS payment schedule for 2026 is as follows:
| Instalment Number | Exclusions Cut-Off Date | Payment Date | Academic Cycle |
| 1 | Upfront | January 10, 2026 | Accommodation, Books & Tuition |
| 2 | Upfront | March 5, 2026 | Accommodation, Books & Tuition |
| 3 | March 14, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 4 | April 16, 2026 | April 30, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 5 | May 15, 2026 | May 30, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 6 | June 13, 2026 | June 30, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 7 | July 15, 2026 | July 31, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 8 | August 15, 2026 | August 29, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 9 | September 15, 2026 | September 30, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 10 | October 15, 2026 | October 31, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
| 11 | November 14, 2026 | November 28, 2026 | Annual and Semester |
NSFAS Last Payment for TVET Colleges
The last payment for TVET colleges is made in November 2026.
NSFAS Payment Plan
NSFAS has a payment plan in place to ensure that students receive their allowances on time.
Institutions are required to submit registration data and adhere to specific timelines to avoid delayed payments.
NSFAS Contact
For more information on NSFAS allowances and payments, please contact:
The Halyard, 4 Christian Barnard
Cape Town City Center, Cape Town, 8000
Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7801
T: 0800 067 327
E: info@nsfas.org.za