UNISA Confirms NSFAS Allowance Payments Amounts For April 2025

UNISA Confirms NSFAS Allowance Payments Amounts For April 2025. NSFAS-funded Unisa students can now breathe a sigh of relief as the University of South Africa (Unisa) has officially confirmed the NSFAS allowance payment amounts for April 2025. This announcement brings clarity and assurance to thousands of students relying on financial assistance for their academic journey in 2025.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-run initiative that provides comprehensive financial support to eligible students enrolled in South African public universities and TVET colleges.

• Full tuition fees
• Registration fees
• Learning materials
• Accommodation (where applicable)
• Food and personal care allowances

With the increase in the cost of living and educational resources, NSFAS allowances for 2025 have been increased by 4%, as announced by Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.

UNISA has structured the NSFAS allowances based on the type of expense and eligibility of each student. The NSFAS allowance amounts for 2025 are divided into two main categories:

Every student funded by NSFAS at UNISA receives a once-off learning materials allowance at the beginning of the academic year. This is meant to assist students in purchasing textbooks, software, and other study tools necessary for success.

• General students will receive: R5,678
• Students with disabilities will receive: R6,240

Important Note: This is a once-per-year payment and is typically disbursed at the start of the academic year.

To assist with basic living needs such as toiletries and other personal essentials, NSFAS provides a monthly personal care allowance.

• Students will receive: R316 per month
• Paid over 10 months: From February to November
• Total annual value: R3,160

These funds help reduce the burden of daily expenses, enabling students to focus on their academic responsibilities.

UNISA has confirmed that all NSFAS allowances, including the April 2025 allowance, will be paid within the first few weeks of April. The payment covers the personal care allowance for the month and applies only to eligible students who are fully registered and approved for NSFAS funding.

UNISA has also confirmed that all NSFAS allowance payments will be made via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). This is a secure and efficient method that deposits the funds directly into students’ personal bank accounts.

• Allowances are not given in cash
• Students must ensure their banking details are up to date
• All payments are made by the university on behalf of NSFAS
• Ensure the bank account is in the student’s name

To receive these allowances, students must:

• Be South African citizens
• Be enrolled in an approved qualification at UNISA
• Have a combined household income of less than R350,000 per annum
• Be registered for the 2025 academic year
• Have been approved for NSFAS funding

Students who do not meet these requirements will not receive allowances, even when they enroll at the university.

UNISA, South Africa’s largest distance learning university, attracts a diverse student population, many of whom rely entirely on NSFAS funding. For these students, the monthly and annual allowances play a crucial role in covering the real costs of studying remotely—such as purchasing data, printing materials, and buying study guides.

By confirming the NSFAS allowance amounts for 2025, UNISA has helped eliminate confusion and uncertainty for students who depend on this support.

• Check your myNSFAS account regularly for updates
• Ensure your bank details are correct and verified with UNISA
• Don’t fall for phishing scams – NSFAS will never ask for your login or banking details via SMS or unofficial links
• Be patient during high-volume periods; delays can occur, but payments will be made

The confirmation of April 2025 NSFAS allowance payments by UNISA brings relief to thousands of students. With increased allowances, improved payment methods, and direct EFT deposits, the system is more transparent and supportive than ever before.