How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Tuition Fees 2026

How Often Does NSFAS Pay For Tuition Fees 2026

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) helps students who cannot afford higher education by covering important study costs, especially tuition fees. This financial support makes it possible for many students to attend universities and TVET colleges across South Africa. When it comes to paying tuition fees, NSFAS usually sends the money straight to the college or university where the student is registered. This ensures that the funds are used exactly as intended — to cover the cost of education.

Students don’t receive this part of the funding in their personal bank accounts. Instead, their institutions get the payment directly from NSFAS. NSFAS follows a set payment schedule that aligns with the academic calendar of each institution. Depending on whether the institution runs on a semester or trimester system, NSFAS will release funds accordingly. For example, some institutions get tuition payments at the start of each semester, while others may receive them more frequently, such as every trimester.

Generally, NSFAS pays tuition fees at the beginning of the academic year or when students officially begin their studies. This helps ensure that students can attend classes without being held back by unpaid fees. In summary, NSFAS makes sure that the tuition payments are handled on time and according to each university or college’s calendar, helping students focus on their studies without worrying about the cost of their education.

Learn more: How Does NSFAS Fund 2026

Payment Schedules for NSFAS 2026

There are two primary types of NSFAS payments: tuition fee payments and allowances, which are provided below;

Institutional payment agreements:

• NSFAS pays tuition payments directly to higher education institutions (HEIs) on behalf of qualifying students. In terms of payment, each school or college has its contract with NSFAS.

Semester-based payments:

• NSFAS payment schedules are often aligned with the academic calendar, implying that payments are issued for a semester.

Amount NSFAS pays for beneficiaries in 2026

Admitted beneficiaries will receive this money in their wallet in 2026.

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

Who Qualifies For NSFAS Payment 2026?

You qualify for NSFAS payment once the agency has approved your application for the grant. NSFAS funds are provided to South African students who meet the academic and eligibility requirements set by the agency. To qualify for NSFAS funds, you must meet the following criteria;

• All South African citizens
• All SASSA grant recipients qualifies for funding
• Applicants whose combined household income is not more than R350,000 per annum
• Person with disability: Combined household income must not be more than R600,000 per annum
• Students who started studying before 2018, whose household income is not more than R122,000 per annum.

Learn more: How Much Is NSFAS Money 2026

Apply Online For NSFAS 2026

Follow the step-by-step guide below to apply online for an NSFAS grant.

• Go to www.nsfas.org.za and click on the ‘myNSFAS’ tab.
• Create a myNSFAS account
• Click on the ‘APPLY’ tab and complete the sections on the screen
• Upload the required supporting documents, where applicable
• Click on ‘Submit’.

NSFAS Contact  Details

• Email: info@nsfas.org.za
• Facebook: National Student Financial Aid Scheme
• Twitter: @myNSFAS
• Instagram: @myNSFAS
• WhatsApp: +27 78 519 8006
• USSD:*120*67327#

For effective financial planning and academic performance, it is essential to know how frequently NSFAS pays for tuition. Students may maximize their use of this vital financial aid resource by following NSFAS requirements, maintaining eligibility, and spending prudently. Visit the official website of NSFAS for more information.

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