How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?
Emotions are frequently running high while starting college or university, and it may be a terrifying experience. Additional concerns about how you’re going to pay for your education, housing, books, and food are the last thing you need. NSFAS, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, is a vital lifeline for many South African students pursuing higher education. One common question among beneficiaries is, “How many months does NSFAS give allowance?”
What is NSFAS Give Allowance?
The goal of this scholarship program is to encourage higher education among the populace in order to stabilize the socioeconomic situation. The Department of Higher Education and Training provides funding for this assistance. The NSFAS grant provides for a variety of student needs in order to guarantee higher education.
How Many Months Does NSFAS Give Allowance?
Duration of NSFAS Allowance
Read Also: How Much Does NSFAS Pay For Accommodation?
Typically, NSFAS provides allowances for the duration of the academic year, which spans about 10 months. These allowances are meant to cover various expenses, including accommodation, meals, transport, and study materials.
Monthly Allowance Disbursement
The allowance is usually disbursed on a monthly basis throughout the academic year. This ensures that students have consistent support to meet their needs and focus on their studies without financial stress.
Vacation Periods
During vacation periods, such as winter and summer breaks, students may not receive their monthly allowances. However, NSFAS may provide additional support or allowances for specific needs during these periods, depending on the student’s circumstances.
Maintaining Eligibility
It’s essential for students to maintain their eligibility for NSFAS funding by meeting academic requirements and complying with program regulations. Failure to do so could result in the suspension or termination of funding, including the monthly allowance.
How much is NSFAS 2024 allowance?
The NFSAS allowance amount differs slightly between college and university;
Allowances for TVET College
The accommodation in an urban area is R24 000 per year/ R2 400 per month
The accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18 900 per year/R1 892 per month.
The accommodation in a rural area is R15 750 per year/R1 575 per month.
R7,350 per year/R735 per month for transportation (up to 40 kilometers from the institution).
Transport: R7000 per year/ R700 per month.
Personal care allowance: R2 900 per year/ R290 per month
University Allowances
As per the actual costs charged by the university (costs for private accommodation must not exceed costs for university residence).
Transport (up to 40 km from the institution): R7 500 per year/R750 per month.
Living allowance: R15 000 per year/ R1 500 per month.
Book allowances: R5 200 per year.
Personal care allowance: R2900 per year/R290 per month for students in catered residences.
Unisa Allowance
Small expense allowance of R2900 a year is given to students who are registered for ten modules or more.
Learning material allowance of R600 per module for the first four modules( once-off R5200 for five to ten modules).
2024 Cycle dates for payments
First Semester
Cycle 1 – All Campuses, Monday 28 February 2024
Cycle 2 – All Campuses, Monday 7 March 2024
Cycle 3 – All Campuses, Monday 4 April 2024
Cycle 4 – All Campuses, Monday 3 May 2024
Cycle 5 – All Campuses, Monday 6 June 2024
Second Semester
Cycle 6 – All Campuses, Monday 18 July 2024
Cycle 7 – All Campuses, Monday 1 August 2024
Cycle 8 – All Campuses, Monday 5 September 2024
Cycle 9 – All Campuses, Monday 3 October 2024
Cycle 10 – All Campuses, Monday 7 November 2024
FAQs
Do I have to pay for registration if my NSFAS funds were approved?
No, if your NSFAS funding are accepted, you won’t need to pay for registration. Please be aware that Financial Aid will use the UFS system to disburse your NSFAS money, lifting the registration pre-payment barrier and allowing you to register without paying. You’ll get an SMS to let you know when the allocation is complete.
Can I get a refund if I paid my own registration fees and received NSFAS after?
Indeed. You will need to submit a refund application, nevertheless. All NSFAS students will receive notification from Financial Aid when they can submit claims for refunds of their registration costs. The amount paid will be reduced by any expenses not covered by NSFAS (fines, medical bills, etc.), with just the remaining amount being repaid. For NSFAS students, Financial Aid must receive all refund requests. Please be aware that there will be a deadline for submitting refund requests.
How will NSFAS allowances be paid?
The Fundi mechanism will be used to pay the student’s NSFAS allowances in cash. You will receive an SMS message from Fundi requesting you to enter your banking information as soon as the allowances are deducted from your student class fee account. Payment will be made when Fundi verifies your financial information.
Can NSFAS Pay Some Students More Allowances?
Because various postsecondary institutions charge varying registration costs, the allowance varies based on which one you attend. Student allowances vary depending on the daily distance you travel from your accommodations and the potential differences in your lodging prices.
Conclusion
NSFAS typically provides monthly allowances for the duration of the academic year, totaling around 10 months. However, students must fulfill eligibility criteria and comply with program guidelines to continue receiving this crucial financial support.
