Millions of students across South Africa depend on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Payment Schedule to support their academic pursuits. These allowances are critical for covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. Recently, delays in NSFAS Payments have caused significant stress among students. Here, we provide a detailed update on NSFAS allowances and the latest payment schedules.
NSFAS Payment Dates for TVET College Students
TVET college students funded by NSFAS can now receive their allowances through a bank account of their choice. This change applies only to TVET college students, while university students will continue to receive their allowances through their institutions until the end of July 2024. To ensure smooth transactions, students are advised to update their bank details.
Important Reminder
TVET students must open a bank account and submit their banking details on the myNSFAS portal. Bank details that do not belong to the student will not be accepted.
NSFAS Payment Dates 2024 for TVET Colleges and Universities
Monthly Payments
NSFAS disburses allowances to TVET college students on the 25th of each month and to university students on the 30th. It is essential for educational institutions to submit their registration data on time to ensure timely processing of these payments.
Payment Schedule for TVET Colleges
Allowances are processed according to the academic calendar and added to each student’s myNSFAS account e-wallet. Students should keep track of payment dates to avoid missing their allowance deposits.
| Cycle | Day of the Week | Payment Date |
| Cycle 6 – Medical School | Monday | 1 July 2024 |
| Cycle 6 – All Campuses | Monday | 5 July 2024 |
| Cycle 7 – All Campuses | Monday | 5 August 2024 |
| Cycle 8 – All Campuses | Monday | 2 September 2024 |
| Cycle 9 – All Campuses | Monday | 7 October 2024 |
| Cycle 10 – All Campuses (Final payment for 2024) | Monday | 4 November 2024 |
University Payment Dates
| University Name | NSFAS Allowance Payments Commitment Date |
| University of the Western Cape | 23 February & 01 March |
| Rhodes University | 28 February 2024 |
| University of Free State | Ongoing payments for outstanding funds |
| University of Zululand | 01 March 2024 |
| University of Fort Hare | 26 February 2024 |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 08 March 2024 |
| University of Pretoria | 04 March 2024 |
| University of Mpumalanga | 01 March 2024 |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 01 March 2024 |
| University of Cape Town | 17-26 February & 01 March |
| Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University | 04 March 2024 |
| University of South Africa | 04 March 2024 |
| University of Stellenbosch | 29 February & 01 March |
| University of Johannesburg | 07 March 2024 |
| University of Venda | 26 February 2024 |
| Central University of Technology | 02 March 2024 |
| University of Limpopo | 26 February 2024 |
| North-West University | 01 March 2024 |
| Tshwane University of Technology | 04 March 2024 |
NSFAS Disbursements and April 2024 Payment Details
On 9 April 2024, NSFAS announced the disbursement of allowances for April. Payments were made to students based on valid registration records received by 15 March 2024 for TVET colleges and 19 March 2024 for universities. In the current payment cycle, NSFAS disbursed a total of R2,306,583,222 to university students, divided as follows:
- Tuition to universities: R1,258,865,972
- Allowances via universities: R653,954,716
- Direct payment to students: R393,762,534
Loading of 2024 Registration Data
NSFAS has initiated the registration upload period for institutions to submit registration data for the 2024 academic year. It is crucial for institutions to promptly submit this data to facilitate payments for tuition and allowances. Institutions and students should note that all subsequent disbursements will be based solely on the registration data received and processed successfully.
The following institutions did not submit their registration data in time for the April payment file:
- University of Fort Hare
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Venda
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Limpopo
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Sol Plaatje University
- Durban University of Technology
- North-West University
- Vaal University of Technology
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of the Western Cape
- Tshwane University of Technology
TVET Colleges Allowances
For the latest payment, NSFAS disbursed a total of R511,106,120 to TVET colleges, divided as follows:
- Tuition to colleges: R147,115,846
- Allowances via TVET colleges: R34,831,311
- NSFAS Card Allowances: R298,971,220
- Student Accommodation via solution providers: R30,187,743
The following TVET colleges did not meet the 15th March 2024 cut-off date for registration data submission:
- Lovedale TVET College
- South West Gauteng TVET College
As of 4 April 2024, all TVET colleges had uploaded their registration data except for Lovedale TVET College. NSFAS is working with the college to finalize the process.
Student Accommodation
Accommodation providers must ensure all students in their establishments are onboarded on the myNSFAS accommodation portal. This ensures registration data includes critical information for timely payments. The accommodation allowance disbursement is as follows:
- Institutional residences: R255,765,764
- Private accommodation: R436,732,491
- Total accommodation disbursement: R702,498,255
NSFAS Interventions for Data Submission
NSFAS has deployed servicing administrators to assist colleges and universities with the submission of registration data and address NSFAS-related challenges. This proactive approach aims to alleviate tensions and ensure a smooth academic environment.
Error in Registration Data by University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) mistakenly uploaded incorrect registration data, resulting in erroneous allowance payments. Instead of the correct R16,500 for the academic year 2024, the institution uploaded the R3,300 meal allowance. This error led to students receiving R330 per month instead of R1,650. NSFAS and UJ are working to correct this error and ensure accurate payments.
How to Avoid and Fix NSFAS Allowance Payment Problems?
Keep Your Information Updated
Regularly update your contact details, academic records, and bank information on the myNSFAS portal. If you change courses or institutions, let NSFAS know right away. Accurate information helps prevent delays and errors with your NSFAS allowance.
Communicate with Your Institution and NSFAS
Stay in touch with the financial aid office at your school. They can give you updates on payment schedules and any specific requirements. Contact NSFAS if you need any clarification about your bursary.
Follow the Rules of Your Funding Agreement
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your NSFAS bursary. This includes meeting academic performance requirements and using the funds for approved expenses. Keeping up with your studies and using the money correctly ensures you continue to receive support.
Monitor Your Payments
Check your myNSFAS account and bank account regularly to track your payments. If you see any issues or delays, contact NSFAS immediately.
Act Quickly if There Are Problems
If your NSFAS payments are late or incorrect, contact NSFAS as soon as possible. Have your student ID and details of your problem ready. Keep following up until the issue is fixed.
Get Help from Student Representatives
If you can’t resolve issues on your own, ask for help from student representatives or the student council. They can often get things sorted out faster and offer extra support.
By keeping your information up to date, staying in touch with your school and NSFAS, following the rules, monitoring your payments, and acting quickly when there are problems, you can avoid most issues with your NSFAS allowance. Here’s to a successful academic year with timely NSFAS payments!
FAQs for NSFAS Payment Dates
When is the First NSFAS Payment for 2024?
The first payments for college students are scheduled for February, with TVET college allowances paid by 6th March 2024, pending successful registration uploads by 28th February 2024.
Can the NSFAS Payment Schedule Change?
Yes, the NSFAS Payment Schedule can change based on funding availability, academic progress, and changes in personal circumstances.
What Types of Payments are Included?
The NSFAS Payment Schedule includes tuition fees, accommodation allowances, meal allowances, and other stipends for eligible students.
Staying informed about the NSFAS Payment Schedule is crucial for students to ensure they receive their allowances on time. Most allowances are paid at the beginning of the month, and missing a payment may result in the allowance being credited to the NSFAS e-wallet.