If you are applying for NSFAS 2027, one of the biggest questions is: What does NSFAS actually pay for?
NSFAS funding can cover more than tuition fees. Depending on your institution, qualification and living arrangements, eligible students may receive support for learning materials, living costs, personal care, transport and accommodation.
However, not every student receives every allowance. Your funding depends on the applicable NSFAS rules and your individual circumstances.
What does NSFAS 2027 cover?
The current NSFAS information says a bursary can cover:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Learning material allowance
- Living allowance
- Personal care allowance
- Transport allowance
- Accommodation, where applicable
The specific support you receive depends on your institution, qualification and where you live.
1. NSFAS tuition and registration fees
For eligible students receiving NSFAS bursary funding, registration and tuition fees can be covered.
These payments are generally handled between NSFAS and the institution rather than being paid to the student as a cash allowance. NSFAS’s current application information states that tuition and registration are paid directly to the university or TVET college.
2. NSFAS learning material allowance
University students can receive a learning material allowance to help with academic books, study materials and/or an approved learning device.
The 2026 NSFAS bursary guidelines state that university students qualify for one learning-material allowance per academic year and that it must be used for academic books/materials and/or a learning device.
For 2027, students should check the latest NSFAS-approved amount once the 2027 funding policy is published.
3. NSFAS living allowance
A living allowance is intended to help eligible university students with food and incidental expenses.
Under the current NSFAS rules, the living allowance applies to funded university students who are not accommodated in catered residences. Students living in institution-catered accommodation are dealt with under the applicable accommodation/allowance arrangements.
The exact 2027 amount should be confirmed against the approved 2027 NSFAS funding policy.
4. NSFAS accommodation allowance
Eligible students who require accommodation may receive accommodation support.
NSFAS’s current 2027 application information confirms that accommodation is covered where applicable, and that funding depends partly on where the student stays.
The applicable accommodation arrangements can differ depending on whether the student is staying in institution accommodation or approved private accommodation.
Students should therefore not assume that NSFAS will automatically pay any accommodation price they choose.
5. NSFAS transport allowance
Students who live at home rather than in approved accommodation may qualify for a transport allowance, depending on the applicable NSFAS rules.
The current NSFAS 2027 information specifically identifies accommodation or transport as part of the funding support, depending on where the student stays.
The 2026 guidelines also set conditions around transport and accommodation support.
6. Personal care allowance
A personal-care allowance is another form of support included in the current NSFAS bursary structure.
The current NSFAS FAQ states that the bursary can cover living allowance, personal care and transport, as well as accommodation where applicable.
The amount and eligibility depend on the applicable funding rules and student circumstances.
7. What allowances do TVET college students receive?
TVET students have a different allowance structure from university students.
The current NSFAS guidelines state that TVET college allowances include:
- Personal care
- Accommodation or transport
The guidelines also state that the amounts and related costs are published annually by NSFAS in its handbook.
This means TVET students should not automatically assume that university allowance categories and amounts apply to them.
8. Do students receive all NSFAS allowances?
No.
This is very important.
NSFAS does not simply give every funded student every possible allowance.
The current NSFAS FAQ says funding covers approved costs and allowances under the relevant funding agreement. What a student receives depends on the applicable funding arrangement.
For example, your accommodation situation can affect whether accommodation or transport support applies.
9. What about students with disabilities?
Students with disabilities may qualify for additional approved support.
NSFAS currently lists possible additional support including:
- Assistive devices
- Repairs and maintenance of assistive devices
- Human support at universities
- Assessment costs
However, this support is not automatic and must be assessed and approved.
10. Does NSFAS pay students directly?
It depends on the type of support and the applicable payment arrangement.
NSFAS’s bursary terms state that allowances may be accessed through direct payment into a student’s bank account or through an approved NSFAS Wallet arrangement, depending on the applicable system.
Tuition and registration payments are generally handled through the institution.
Important: NSFAS 2027 allowance amounts
Students will often see articles online listing specific amounts for accommodation, transport, books and living allowances.
Be careful when using these figures.
An amount published for 2025 or 2026 should not automatically be presented as the 2027 allowance.
NSFAS states that funding is paid according to the approved funding policy for the academic year, and the current 2027 application information does not yet provide a complete 2027 allowance-value table.
NextStepZA will update this article when official 2027 allowance amounts are published.
NSFAS 2027 allowance checklist
Before planning your student budget, check:
☐ Is my NSFAS funding approved?
☐ Am I studying at an eligible public university or TVET college?
☐ Am I receiving a bursary or a different type of NSFAS funding?
☐ Where will I live during my studies?
☐ Do I qualify for accommodation or transport support?
☐ What learning-material allowance applies to me?
☐ Does my institution have specific accommodation arrangements?
☐ Have the official 2027 allowance amounts been published?
Final word
NSFAS 2027 funding can help eligible students with more than tuition fees. Depending on the student’s circumstances, funding can include learning materials, living costs, personal care, transport and accommodation.
The exact allowance a student receives depends on the applicable NSFAS funding rules, institution, qualification and living arrangements.
Important: NextStepZA will update this guide when NSFAS publishes the official 2027 allowance amounts and funding policy.
Related NextStepZA guides
- NSFAS 2027 Applications – Opening 18 September | Apply Online
- NSFAS 2027 Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies?
- Bursaries Open Now in South Africa
- Top Colleges in South Africa
- TVET Colleges in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions About NSFAS 2027 Allowances
Depending on the student’s institution, qualification and living arrangements, NSFAS funding may cover tuition and registration, learning materials, accommodation, transport, living costs and personal care. Not every student qualifies for every allowance
Yes, accommodation can be covered where applicable. Students may qualify for approved accommodation support depending on their circumstances and NSFAS requirements.
Yes. Students may receive transport support where they live at home and meet the applicable requirements. The type of support depends on the student’s circumstances and institution.
Yes. The NSFAS bursary can include a living allowance for qualifying students. The applicable support depends on the institution and the approved funding policy for the academic year.
Yes. NSFAS provides a learning material allowance to qualifying students. The 2027 NSFAS application information describes this as an allowance towards books and study materials
The personal care allowance is one of the allowances that may be provided to qualifying students at universities and TVET colleges. The exact amount and applicable conditions are determined under the approved NSFAS funding policy.
No. NSFAS states that what a student receives depends on factors such as their institution, qualification and where they stay. Students should therefore not assume that they will receive every allowance.
The official NSFAS 2027 application information currently states that funding is paid according to the approved NSFAS funding policy for the academic year. It does not currently provide a complete 2027 allowance-value table. Therefore, NextStepZA should not publish old 2025 or 2026 figures as confirmed 2027 amounts.
Yes. Eligible TVET students can receive NSFAS support, with allowances depending on the applicable funding rules and their circumstances. NSFAS also states that TVET students can qualify for accommodation or transport support where applicable.
Students with disabilities may qualify for additional approved support, including assistive devices, repairs and maintenance, human support at universities and assessment costs. This support is not automatic and requires assessment and approval.