How Much Does NSFAS Pay First Month 2025

How Much Does NSFAS Pay First Month 2025: How much is NSFAS paying in 2025

For students in South Africa, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a role in supporting them throughout their education. As you begin your academic endeavours, it’s normal to have inquiries regarding the initial payment offered by NSFAS in your first month. below are details or payment dates with the corresponding amount and many more.

READ MORE: How Much NSFAS Allowance 2025-2026

How Much Does NSFAS Pay the First Month of 2025

In the initial month, NSFAS allocates a portion of the approved funding to cover necessary expenditures. The purpose of this initial payment is to provide support in handling immediate educational expenses, including registration fees, textbooks, and transportation costs. The specific amount disbursed during the first month is determined based on factors such as the results of your means test and the expenses associated with your chosen educational program.

The indicated amounts for accommodation, living allowance, transportation, and learning materials must be following the most recent guidelines approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). NSFAS pays the following amount to beneficiaries;

UNIVERSITY

• Accommodation
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 annum.
• Living allowance R15,000 per annum.
• Book allowances R5200 per annum.
• Incidental/personal care allowance of R2900 per annum for students in catered residences.

TVET

• Accommodation in an urban area is R24,000 per annum.
• Accommodation in a peri-urban area is R18,900 per annum.
• Accommodation in a rural area is R15,750 per annum.
• Transport (up to 40 km from the institution) R7,350  per annum.
• Transport R7000 per annum.
• Incidental/personal care allowance R2900 per annum.

NSFAS Payment Dates 2025

NSFAS payment dates refer to the exact dates on which approved funds are disbursed to eligible students. NSFAS disburses payment using the payment schedule provided below;

First Semester NSFAS Payment Date:

• Cycle 1 – All Campuses 26 February 2025
• Cycle 2 – All Campuses 06 March 2025
• Cycle 3 – All Campuses 22 April 2025
• Cycle 4 – All Campuses 20 May 2025
• Cycle 5 – All Campuses Monday 17 June 2025

Second Semester NSFAS Payment Date

• Cycle 6 – Medical School 01 July 2025
• Cycle 6 – All Other Campuses  08 July 2025
• Cycle 7 – All Campuses 05 August 2025
• Cycle 8 – All Campuses 02 September 2025
• Cycle 9 – All Campuses 07 October 2025
• Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2025)  04 November 2025

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Funding?

You are eligible to receive funds from NSFAS if you meet the following criteria;

• South African Citizenship or Permanent Residency
• SASSA grant recipients
• Applicants whose combined gross household income is not more than R350 000 per year
• Persons with disabilities whose combined gross household income is not more than R600 000 per year.
• Must have an email account and cell phone number.

READ: NSFAS Late Application 2025-2026

NSFAS Contact Information

• Website: www.nsfas.org.za
• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• South African students: 0860 067 327
• International students: +27 21 763 3232
• Physical Address: 10 Brodie Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, South Africa, 7700
• Postal Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, 7801

Visit the NSFAS official website for more information. Hope the provided information is helpful, kindly share your thoughts below in the comment section.

RELATED LINKS

• NSFAS Allowance 2025-2026