| 1 | Tuition Fees NSFAS covers the cost of your tuition. |
| 2 | Accommodation The bursary includes coverage for on-campus or off-campus student housing. |
| 3 | Textbooks and Study Materials NSFAS can provide a study allowance to help you purchase the necessary textbooks and materials for your coursework. |
| 4 | Travel Expenses The bursary includes a travel allowance to offset the expenses related to commuting to and from the campus. |
| 5 | Meals NSFAS offers a meal allowance to assist with the cost of food while you are pursuing your studies. |
For comprehensive information about what the bursary covers, NSFAS provides updates to its beneficiaries.
1. How does NSFAS pay for tuition fees?
NSFAS pays tuition fees directly to your institution. Once you’re registered, the university or TVET college sends your tuition bill to NSFAS, and they handle the payment.
2. How are allowances paid to students?
Allowances for personal expenses like books, meals, and transport are paid directly to the student. Payments are made in the following ways:
NSFAS Wallet: Most students receive their funds through an NSFAS Wallet, which can be accessed via a mobile device.
Institutional Payment System: Some universities or colleges distribute allowances directly into the student’s bank account.
3. What types of allowances does NSFAS provide?
Students receive allowances for:
Learning Materials: For textbooks and stationery.
4. When are NSFAS funds distributed?
Funds are distributed monthly. Your institution confirms your registration with NSFAS, and payments typically start after this step is complete. It’s important to ensure your institution has submitted your registration details promptly.
5. Can I choose how to spend my allowances?
Yes, but you must budget wisely. For example, the learning materials allowance is meant for books and stationery, but the funds are paid directly to you, allowing flexibility. However, misuse of funds could leave you short for essentials.
6. What happens if there’s a delay in payments?
Delays can happen due to:
7. Are there limits on the amounts NSFAS pays?
Yes, NSFAS funding is subject to annual limits:
8. Do I need a bank account to receive NSFAS funds?
Not always. If your institution uses NSFAS Wallet, you don’t need a personal bank account. However, if your allowances are paid through the institution’s system, a bank account might be required.
9. What is the NSFAS Wallet, and how does it work?
NSFAS Wallet is a mobile-based payment system where students can:
10. Can NSFAS funding be revoked?
Yes. Funding may stop if:
11. Can I appeal if there’s an issue with my funding?
Yes. If funding is withdrawn or there’s a problem with payments, you can submit an appeal through the NSFAS portal. Be sure to provide all supporting documents to explain your situation.
12. What should I do if I don’t receive my funds on time?
Follow these steps:
13. What happens if my institution increases tuition fees mid-year?
If your institution raises tuition fees during the academic year, NSFAS will usually cover the additional costs, provided they fall within the funding guidelines. However, the institution must notify NSFAS of these changes for the adjustment to be processed.
14. Can NSFAS pay for private accommodation?
Yes, NSFAS can fund private accommodation, but it must meet the institution's accreditation standards. The rental agreement and proof of residence need to be submitted to your institution for approval. NSFAS funding for private accommodation is capped, and the amount depends on the location and institution’s policies.
15. Are there restrictions on where I can use my meal allowance?
Some institutions have agreements with specific vendors or campus facilities where you can use your meal allowance. If you’re using NSFAS Wallet, you may be able to withdraw cash to purchase food from stores of your choice. Check with your institution to understand any restrictions.
16. How are transport allowances calculated?
Transport allowances are calculated based on the distance between your home and your campus. NSFAS provides a fixed monthly amount to cover these expenses, but if you live far from campus, the allowance might not cover all travel costs.
17. Can I request an increase in my allowances?
No, NSFAS does not allow individual requests for increased allowances. However, if your circumstances change (e.g., you need to move further from campus), your institution can submit a motivation to NSFAS on your behalf.
18. Does NSFAS fund postgraduate students?
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate students. However, some postgraduate qualifications in fields like teaching or nursing may be funded. If you’re pursuing postgraduate studies, confirm eligibility with NSFAS or your institution.
19. Can I split my accommodation allowance between multiple expenses?
No, the accommodation allowance is specifically meant for rent or residence fees. You cannot reallocate it to other expenses, such as food or transport. If you live at home, a reduced transport allowance may replace the accommodation funding.
20. What happens if I withdraw from some courses but remain registered for others?
If you drop or withdraw from courses, NSFAS might reduce your funding proportionally. This could include adjustments to your allowances. In some cases, you may be required to repay the funds allocated for the dropped courses.
21. How do I track my NSFAS payments?
You can track payments via:
22. Does NSFAS funding include devices like laptops?
Yes, NSFAS provides funding for laptops or other digital devices if required by your course. In most cases, this is facilitated through your institution, and the cost is deducted from your learning material allowance or covered separately by NSFAS.
23. Can NSFAS pay for international students?
No, NSFAS only funds South African citizens and permanent residents studying at public universities or TVET colleges within South Africa.
24. What happens if I change courses or institutions mid-year?
If you transfer to another institution or change your course, you must inform NSFAS immediately. They will reassess your funding eligibility based on the new course or institution. Failure to notify NSFAS could result in delays or loss of funding.
25. Can NSFAS funding cover short courses or part-time studies?
NSFAS does not fund short courses, part-time studies, or private institution programs. Funding is limited to full-time students at public universities or TVET colleges.
26. Are there penalties for not using the funds correctly?
Yes. Misusing NSFAS funds (e.g., spending your learning material allowance on non-educational expenses) could lead to suspension of allowances or termination of funding. NSFAS monitors spending and works with institutions to ensure compliance.
27. Does NSFAS pay for supplementary exams or extended programs?
NSFAS may cover the cost of supplementary exams or extended programs if they are part of your registered course load. However, this must be approved by your institution and NSFAS.
28. How are funds distributed for students attending TVET colleges?
TVET college students receive similar funding to university students, including tuition, accommodation, transport, and allowances. However, amounts may vary based on the college’s location and policies.
29. What if I lose my NSFAS Wallet PIN?
You can reset your NSFAS Wallet PIN by:
30. What happens if I have outstanding fees from a previous year?
NSFAS funding generally does not cover historical debt. However, some institutions have agreements with NSFAS to settle small balances for continuing students. Check with your institution’s financial aid office for options.
31. Can I appeal NSFAS decisions about allowances?
Yes, you can appeal if you believe your allowances are incorrect or insufficient. Submit an appeal through the NSFAS portal with supporting documents explaining your case.
32. What happens to unused funds?
Unused NSFAS funds are typically returned to NSFAS at the end of the academic year. You cannot carry over unused amounts to the following year.