NSFAS Allowance Update November 2023: How Much Pay in November

NSFAS Allowance Update November 2023: How Much Pay in November. In November 2023, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is in the process of disbursing allowances to nearly 1 million tertiary students across South Africa. These allowances are an essential part of NSFAS funding, aiming to cover various student needs beyond just tuition fees.

Budget and Allowance Adjustments

For the 2023 academic year, NSFAS received a budget allocation of R47.6 million, as confirmed by the Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande. Nzimande emphasized that the NSFAS allowance payments for this year have been adjusted to account for inflation.

Monthly Allowance Disbursements

In keeping with its practice, NSFAS will continue to make monthly allowance payments for the 2023 academic year. However, a significant change this year is that these allowances will be disbursed directly to students through their NSFAS bank accounts, providing additional advantages.

NSFAS Allowance Breakdown

Personal Care Allowance

Nzimande outlined that personal care allowances are granted to distance university students enrolled in an equivalent full-time course credit load. These students qualify for an annual personal care allowance payment of R3,045.

To be eligible for this allowance, students must be registered for a minimum of 120 course credits per year.

Learning Material Allowance

For those enrolled in fewer than 60 course credits, they will receive the learning material allowance, but not the personal care allowance.

Living Allowance

All NSFAS-funded university students residing in non-catered university residences will receive an annual living allowance of R15,750. This allowance consists of R3,045 as a personal care allowance per year and R12,705 as a meal allowance.

Student Accommodation Allowance

In terms of the student accommodation allowance, both institution-owned or leased accommodations and private accommodations will be capped at R45,000 per academic year. Private accommodation allowances are to be paid directly to the accommodation service providers by NSFAS or the institutions.

NSFAS Allowance Delays

Despite NSFAS’s efforts, students may encounter delays in receiving their allowances for November 2023. NSFAS spokesperson Slumezi Skosana attributed these delays to a data adjustment process. This process enables institutions to rectify data discrepancies, addressing scenarios such as changes in student modules, cancellations, and transitions between allowance types (e.g., transportation to accommodation). It is essential for ensuring accurate disbursement of funds to students.