During a press briefing, he says this represents a 7% increase in the number of students eligible for NSFAS bursaries from 2022.

Nzimande, joined by NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa, gave an update on the scheme's funding distribution this year.

"Out of these qualifying students, over 60% of undergraduate students in our public university system received support from NSFAS. Well over 90% of students in Tvet colleges are NSFAS beneficiaries."

Nzimande said his department conducted extensive consultation on increasing allowances for NSFAS beneficiaries, as reported by SABC News

· University-managed and catered students will receive a R5 460 learning materials allowance and an accommodation allowance capped at R61 500. These are instances where the universities provide accommodations and catering;

· University-managed self-catering students will receive a R5 460 learning materials allowance, a R16 500 annual living allowance, and a R4 500 accommodation allowance;

· Students who live with relatives (rather than in private accommodation) will receive a R5 460 learning materials allowance and a R16 500 annual living allowance;

· Private off-campus accredited accommodation students will receive a learning materials allowance of R5 460, R16 500 per annum living allowance and an accommodation allowance capped at R45 000.

Tvet students allowances

· Tvet college own-catered residence will only receive an accommodation allowance to the value of R54 045 per annum;

· Tvet College managed own and leased self-catered accommodation will for the first time receive a living allowance of R6 000, personal care allowance of R3 045 and a maximum R45 000 living allowance paid to the Tvet College;

· Tvet students in private accommodation will receive a R6 000 living allowance, R3 045 personal care allowance and R45 000 per annum accommodation allowance;

· TVET students residing less than 10 km from the college will receive a R6 000 living allowance, a R3 045 personal care allowance, and a R7 718 travel allowance.

OFM News