Imagine being a student at a TVET college. You’re waking up early, catching taxis, trying to keep up with assignments — and somehow still worrying about whether you’ll have enough money for lunch or rent. Then comes some good news: NSFAS is increasing allowances by a massive 46%. Sounds like a big win, right? But the real question is — will it be enough to make a real difference?
What Is NSFAS and Why It Matters
NSFAS stands for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. It’s a South African government program that helps students from low-income families pay for college or university. Without NSFAS, thousands of students simply couldn’t afford to study. It covers tuition, accommodation, transport, and other living expenses. So, when NSFAS raises allowances, it’s a huge deal for students everywhere.
The Big 46% Increase
This year, NSFAS announced that allowances for TVET college students will increase by 46%. That’s almost half more than what students were getting before. While university students are only seeing a small 4% increase, TVET students are getting a much bigger boost.
Why such a big jump? It’s simple. The government wants to close the gap between university and TVET students and make sure everyone gets fair support. It also wants to encourage more people to choose technical and vocational studies — skills that the country desperately needs.
Why the Increase Was Needed
If you’ve been following student struggles, you’ll know this increase didn’t come out of nowhere. Costs have been rising fast. Transport, rent, and food prices have all shot up, and many students were struggling to survive on their old NSFAS payments.
TVET students, in particular, have faced tough times. Many come from poorer backgrounds and live far from campus. The 46% increase is meant to give them some breathing space and help them focus on their studies instead of worrying about money every month.
The Good News: What This Could Change
This raise could bring some real relief for students. Here’s how:
Less financial stress: With more money for basics like food and transport, students can concentrate better on their studies.
Fewer dropouts: Many students drop out because they can’t afford to stay in school. A higher allowance could help them stick it out.
More TVET enrolments: When funding improves, more young people might see TVET colleges as a serious and valuable choice.
Greater recognition: It sends a clear message — that technical education matters just as much as university degrees.
But Here’s the Catch…
As great as it sounds, this increase might not solve every problem.
For starters, the cost of living is still rising. Even with 46% more money, some students will still struggle to cover rent, transport, and other essentials. And let’s not forget about NSFAS’s history with late payments. A bigger allowance doesn’t help if the money doesn’t arrive on time.
There are also issues around accommodation. Some students live in unsafe or unaccredited housing because of limited options. More money might help a little, but it won’t fix that problem completely.
Plus, not all students face the same challenges. A student in a rural area has different costs than one studying in a big city. A one-size-fits-all increase doesn’t fully cover those differences.
What Needs to Happen Next
If this new allowance increase is really going to help students, a few things need to change:
Payments must be on time: Students can’t keep waiting weeks or months for their money.
Safe, affordable housing: Colleges and NSFAS need to work together to provide better living spaces for students.
Support for special groups: Students with disabilities or those in remote areas need extra help tailored to their situations.
Clear communication: Students deserve transparency on when and how payments are made.
Conclusion
The 46% NSFAS allowance increase for TVET college students is a big step in the right direction. It’s a sign that the government is listening and trying to ease student struggles. But while this boost will help thousands of learners, it’s not a complete solution. For it to truly make a difference, payments need to be consistent, housing must improve, and support systems must strengthen.
It’s a hopeful move — but the fight for fair and sustainable student funding isn’t over yet.
FAQs
Is the NSFAS increase for all students?
No, the big 46% increase applies to TVET college students. University students get a smaller 4% increase.
When will students start receiving the new allowances?
Payments for the new amounts are expected to roll out during 2025, covering the start of the academic year.
Will this increase cover rent and food?
It helps, but it may not cover everything — especially for students living far from home or in expensive areas.
Why did TVET students get a bigger increase?
Because they’ve been receiving smaller allowances compared to university students, and the government wants to balance things out.
Will there be more increases in the future?
It’s possible. NSFAS reviews allowances regularly, depending on inflation and student needs.