Students funded by the NSFAS in 2025 August were the victims of viral claims that an amount of special R5,200 allowance would be paid on 19 August. The news spread like wildfire on the social media platforms and messaging applications, causing excitement and uncertainty.
No Special Payout Scheduled
Votes cast through social media aside, no evidence could be produced of an extra amount of R5,200 to be disbursed in the 8th month of the year. So what we have here are classic details leaked into public channels without verification. NSFAS has a clear structure for allowances and does not disburse any funds other than those agreed to in the normal system. Students should, therefore, be careful to check the authenticity of news before passing it on or acting upon it.
NSFAS Allowance Categories
NSFAS help students through some form of allowance that is ordered in several categories, namely:
1. Learning Materials Allowance
- This is a once-off payment that is disbursed at the beginning of an academic year and is meant for the purchase of textbooks, stationery, and any other relevant digital resources. The allowance is fixed, and it is never paid again later in the year.
2. Accommodation Allowance
- Monthly payments are made to cover housing needs. The amount varies depending on whether the student stays in catered or non-catered residences and whether they do so in metro or non-metro areas.
3. Living Allowance
- Students who live outside catered accommodation establishments receive a monthly living allowance. It is designed to cover a few expenses towards food, personal care, and some other daily incurring expenses. The allowance value varies according to personal circumstances; among them, having a disability is taken into account.
Why The Figure R5,200 Came To Be
The amount of R5,200 has never been something in the novelty for students of NSFAS. It most often being part of the monthly accommodation allowance has been granted to those in non-catered metropolitan areas. However, it is neither a one-time bonus nor an extra payment in mid-year. This explains how the number could have been abused by fake notices.
How Students Can Stay Informed
Students are further advised to always refer to the official NSFAS channels for updates on allowances and payments. Unofficial websites and viral posts on social media try to spread lies and disinformation. Furnishing oneself with information directly from NSFAS will save disappointment.
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