NSFAS Bursary – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced a major update that will directly benefit thousands of students across South Africa. From August 2025, eligible students under the NSFAS bursary program will receive an additional R1500 allowance to cover transport and book expenses. This move is part of the government’s renewed commitment to making higher education more accessible and equitable for financially struggling students. With inflation and rising education costs weighing heavily on students and families, this extra support is expected to bring significant relief. Previously, NSFAS covered core needs such as tuition fees, accommodation, and a modest living allowance. However, many students still struggled to afford transportation to campus or essential learning materials such as textbooks and stationery. In response to widespread feedback and advocacy from student unions, NSFAS has now expanded its allowance structure to include transport and book costs as separate budgeted categories—offering more transparency and better coverage of students’ daily academic expenses. This change will be effective starting 1 August 2025, and eligible students are urged to update their banking and academic information to avoid delays in receiving the top-up. This article will guide you through the details of the new NSFAS allowance structure, eligibility criteria, payment process, and what steps you need to take to secure your R1500 extra allowance for transport and books.
What’s Included in the New NSFAS Top-Up Allowance?
NSFAS has introduced a new breakdown of student support, starting August 2025. This includes a dedicated R1500 monthly support for transport and books.
- R750 allocated for public transport per month
- R750 allocated for learning materials like textbooks, stationery
- Separate from tuition, accommodation, and personal care allowances
- Applies to both university and TVET college students
- Funds will be paid monthly via student’s NSFAS bank account
- Allowance subject to academic registration verification
- No need to apply separately if already NSFAS-approved
Who Will Receive the R1500 Transport and Book Allowance?
The new allowance applies only to currently funded NSFAS students who meet updated eligibility and academic progress requirements.
- Must be currently funded by NSFAS in 2025
- Must be enrolled in a registered public university or TVET college
- Must have no major academic deferrals or suspensions
- Banking details must be updated on the NSFAS portal
- Registered course load must be full-time (minimum credit threshold)
- Students in remote or online-only learning may not qualify for transport component
- Students must confirm continuing registration before each payment cycle
NSFAS Allowance Structure – August 2025 Update
The following table provides the updated monthly allowance breakdown for NSFAS-funded students starting August 2025.
| Expense Category | Monthly Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Full Coverage | Paid directly to institution |
| Accommodation | Up to R5000 | Amount varies by institution type |
| Living Allowance | R2900 | Food, clothing, personal items |
| Transport Allowance | R750 | Paid to student for local travel |
| Book Allowance | R750 | For textbooks and learning materials |
| Incidental Allowance | R300 | Optional campus-related spending |
| Registration Fee | Covered | Paid upfront by NSFAS |
| Laptop Allowance | Up to R5000 | Once-off support, applied for separately |
Important Dates and Payment Schedule for August 2025
Students need to be aware of the critical dates to ensure their allowance reaches them on time.
- 25 July 2025: Deadline to update bank details
- 29 July 2025: Final institution registration verification
- 1 August 2025: Transport and book top-up disbursement begins
- 7 August 2025: Final payout date for late verifications
- 15 August 2025: Appeals open for missed allowances
- 30 August 2025: Appeals close
How to Ensure You Receive the Extra R1500 Allowance?
Receiving your additional bursary is simple if you follow these essential steps.
- Log in to the NSFAS myAccount portal using your student credentials
- Verify or update your banking details
- Confirm your residential status (on-campus/off-campus)
- Check your academic registration status with your institution
- Enable SMS/email alerts to track payment notifications
- Contact NSFAS support if your payment is delayed beyond 10 August
What If You Don’t Receive Your Allowance in August?
Not all students will automatically get the R1500 unless eligibility and administrative records are up to date. If you do not receive your funds:
- Check your NSFAS portal for alerts or action requests
- Ensure your banking details match your personal ID number
- Contact your institution’s financial aid office for registration issues
- Submit a formal NSFAS Missing Allowance Appeal Form
- Appeals must be lodged within 14 days of missed disbursement
- Proof of academic progress or re-registration may be required
Real-Life Impact: How the R1500 Extra Is Helping Students
Students have already begun sharing how this new allowance is improving their studies and daily life. For many, transport costs meant missing lectures or relying on unreliable travel.
- Ayanda, UWC: “Before, I had to walk to campus. Now I can afford taxis and attend all classes.”
- Sipho, TVET Durban: “Books were always too expensive. The extra R750 saved me this semester.”
- Thuli, UP: “Combining the book allowance with laptop support changed my entire academic life.”
- Lunga, DUT: “I missed assignments because I had no transport. This change came just in time.”
These personal stories reflect how impactful the NSFAS top-up can be, not just financially, but also academically.
Common Challenges Students Face with NSFAS Payments
While the new R1500 is great news, there are common roadblocks students should prepare for.
| Common Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Outdated bank details | Update banking info via myNSFAS portal |
| Unverified academic status | Visit institution registrar to finalize registration |
| Delayed payment notifications | Use NSFAS SMS/email alerts for real-time updates |
| Transport allowance withheld | May happen for online-only students |
| Bookstore refusal of NSFAS ID | Use allowance to buy online or via approved outlets |
Contact Details for Assistance
If you’re facing issues with your top-up or general NSFAS queries, contact the relevant offices immediately.
NSFAS Contact Centre
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (08000 NSFAS)
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00
- Website: www.nsfas.org.za
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- Email: callcentre@dhet.gov.za
- Phone: 0800 87 2222
- Twitter: @HigherEduGovZA
University Financial Aid Offices
Contact your institution’s financial aid office or bursary department directly for academic verification or internal processing issues.
- Most universities now offer WhatsApp or walk-in support desks
- Check your institution’s website for bursary contact points
Summary Table: NSFAS Top-Up Overview – August 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Extra Allowance Amount | R1500 (R750 transport + R750 books) |
| Eligibility | NSFAS-funded, full-time students |
| Start Date | 1 August 2025 |
| Where It’s Paid | Direct to student NSFAS-linked bank account |
| Application Needed? | No, automatic if you’re already approved |
| Key Requirement | Updated banking and academic status |
| Disbursement Window | 1 to 7 August 2025 |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 August 2025 |
The new NSFAS allowance addition is a game-changing step toward addressing the daily struggles of South Africa’s underprivileged students. While the increase is modest, its impact on accessibility, academic consistency, and mental relief is undeniable. Students are advised to act swiftly to update their records, check for any delays, and reach out through proper channels if funds are not received on time. This move by NSFAS signals the state’s growing responsiveness to students’ evolving needs. It’s more than just a financial adjustment—it’s a reaffirmation that education must be supported beyond the classroom.
FAQs
1. Do I need to apply separately for the R1500 transport and book allowance?
No, if you’re already funded by NSFAS and meet the eligibility, it is automatic.
2. When will I receive the new R1500 top-up?
Payouts begin from 1 August 2025 and continue till 7 August.
3. Will part-time or distance students get this extra allowance?
No, only full-time on-campus students are eligible for the transport top-up.
4. What if my bank details are wrong on the NSFAS portal?
Update them immediately via the myNSFAS account before 25 July.
5. Can I use the book allowance to buy from any bookstore?
Yes, including online stores, provided receipts are retained if required.
